"That Was Close!!!"

This is awesome. Below is a short, very short, film made by a true Dodger fan at heart.

I swear there was a tear in my eye when it was done.



YouTube Link: cfranco1:

Nomar to Wear Blue Next Year?

Some interesting developments occurred last night. Ramon Martinez was signed to a contract for next season and Nomar just might be in Colletti's sights.

Nomar Garciaparra is willing to play multiple positions next season. He can play 3rd base, the outfield and 1st base. If he could successfully become, as Jon Weisman notes on Dodger Thoughts, a "super-utility man," then he might provide a big boost to the team next year.

This is an interesting situation and, I imagine, it will be given a significant amount of consideration.

Is it me, or does Nomar just want to play for his hometown? Personally, I would be happy to see Nomar in Blue as long as it doesn't impede the progress of James Loney. Besides, I can't fault a guy for wanting to play for the Dodgers.

I Voted

"Put on your shoes, son... Hey, where is your jacket?

I lift up my arm and point to my red hooded sweater with a series of color stripes across the breast. It was an 80'’s version of a 70'’s flashback. No doubt it was fashion at it worst. The sweater was crammed between the seat cushions of our family couch in the TV room.

"Go and put that on. It'’s chilly out there and we are going on a short walk."”

I quickly put on the sweater- first the left arm then the right. I had my "“Toughskins" blue jeans on. They still looked brand new. No matter how rough I played in them they would never fade. Sears had made kid proof pants.

I tied my sneakers and rolled up my socks to cover my calves. I was ready to go and experience the world.

My elementary school mind was still in its most formative stages. I smiled a lot. I laughed all the time. I had wonder in my eyes.

These were the days when it was still o.k. to hold Daddy'’s hand. Heck, these were the days you could still call your Dad- Daddy.

We walk down the block and turned the corner. My hand was clinched tightly to my fathers'’ palm. We walk a few more steps and head down a back alley. A couple of houses down I notice an open garage door. People are mulling about. To one side is a single line, and in the back are cardboard boxes standing straight up with little curtains.

I looked around from left to right. I remember not understanding what this was all about. Why did my father purposely want me with him? Where are we?

My father leans down and says to me, "“it'’s election day."

My love and reverence for voting was created on that day. I remember the look of the garage, the faces of the people, the smell of the cardboard and the sound of the hand crank puncher used to complete the paper ballots. I remember the look of pride on my fathers face and his frank (adult) discussion with me about how important this day is.

This morning I continued a tradition that was passed down from my father. It is a tradition passed down from generation to generation, from American to American. It is a duty that the founding fathers envisioned as the peoples true equalizer. It is our voice.

So, this morning I drove down to the Costa Mesa Historical Society building and gave my name. I was handed a code pass and voted on one of those new-fangled machines. It was easy and efficient. My worries about the potential for lost votes was eased by the paper receipt produced by the computer.

This morning I voted. I voted for my community. I voted for my state. I voted for my country. But, most of all, I voted for my Father.

"How to Vote"

YouTube Link:

Hat Tip: Laist:

Tuesday is Election Day!

Tomorrow Will Be A Great Day!

Go out and make your mark.

If you a’re not sure where your polling place is, call: 1-866-MYVOTE-1

If you run into any voting problems or irregularities contact the National Campaign for Fair Elections. They will have live operators and lawyers available to assist. Election Protection: 1-866-OUR-VOTE

Hat Tip: The Agonist:

Photo Link: University of Tennessee:

Happy Birthday! Viva Fernando!

Happy Birthday Fernando! You don't look a year over 40. In fact, I suspect you can still pitch today and lead a resurgent team into the playoffs. We'll call it the Fernandomania Revival Tour.

Viva Fernando!

Viva Valenzuela!

Hat Tip: 6-4-2: