Dodgers Make Various Announcements

Here are some recent news releases from the Dodgers.


DODGERS TO AUCTION GAME-WORN JERSEYS TO BENEFIT DODGERS DREAM FOUNDATION

WHAT: The Los Angeles Dodgers will auction off the team’s game-worn jerseys from tomorrow’s game during the “Shirts Off Their Backs” auction, with the proceeds benefiting the Dodgers Dream Foundation. Special gift baskets prepared by Dodger players’ wives containing their husbands’ favorite items and autographed memorabilia will also be auctioned off.

WHEN: Sunday, September 7 from 11:10 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Club level outside of the Vin Scully Press Box.

MISC: For more information, please contact the Dodgers’ Public Relations
department at (323) 224-1301 or Community Affairs department at
(323) 224-1413.


ANNUAL VIVA LOS DODGERS FESTIVAL SET FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Cultural celebration planned in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month


WHAT: The Dodgers will hold a cultural celebration during Hispanic Heritage month on Saturday, September 20. The Viva Los Dodgers festival presented by Coca Cola and Toyota will include food, games, live music including a local talent contest and special guests. Fans can attend the Viva Los Dodgers Festival for free with a ticket to the 7:10 p.m. game against the San Francisco Giants.

WHERE: Dodger Stadium
Parking Lot 1

WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2008
1 p.m. to 6 p.m.



DUGOUT CLUB AT DODGER STADIUM TABBED NATIONAL LEAGUE'S BEST "SEAT IN THE HOUSE" BY USA TODAY

LOS ANGELES -- The Dugout Club at Dodger Stadium was tabbed as the best seat in the National League, the best premium seat in Major League Baseball, and third-best overall seat in MLB, according to USA Today. The newspaper recently completed its search for the "best seat in the house," in a 10-part series it unveiled last week.

In citing the Dugout Club as the No. 3 "seat in house," USA Today wrote, "From the corner of the Dugout Club nearest the Dodgers dugout, fans sit about 10 feet from the on-deck circle, close enough to have a normal conversation with Manny Ramirez or Russell Martin. The first three rows of the Dugout Club have a sight line into the dugouts."

The all-inclusive seating area, which provides access to the exclusive underground club behind home plate, was built in 2000 and upgraded following the 2004 and 2005 seasons. Some of Hollywood's biggest celebrities have attended Dodger games in the Dugout Club over the past few seasons, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pamela Anderson, Victoria Beckham, Kobe Bryant, Zac Efron, Calista Flockhart, Harrison Ford, Jodie Foster, Tom Hanks, Paris Hilton, Ron Howard, Larry King, Shia LaBeouf, Tommy Lee, Matthew McConaughey, Alyssa Milano, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Snoop Dogg, Britney Spears, Hilary Swank, and Vince Vaughn.

In addition, numerous Fortune 500 companies maintain season seats in the Dugout Club, as the area has become a veritable "Who's Who" of the Los Angeles business community.

"Fans who sit here typically say that once you've sat in these seats for a game, sitting anywhere else just doesn't seem to cut it," the article reads. "Fastballs hiss and pop. Players argue with umpires. Teammates hug. All right in front of you."

Several of the seats in the Dugout Club are actually closer to home plate than the pitcher's mound, providing an unparalleled experience. In addition, the food options are second-to-none.

"Being a member of the Dugout Club is sort like having a all-expenses-paid suite at the Ritz-Carlton," according to the USA Today article. "A spectacular restaurant with a wide array of gourmet offerings presented buffet style is directly behind the seating area.

"It doesn't end there. If you're in your seat and craving, say, hot wings, chicken tenders, a fruit kabob or a veggie wrap, simply flag down a waiter and, within minutes, it's brought to your padded seat, where you can swing the built-in tray in front of you and it's just like you've got a TV tray in front of your 60-inch hi-def, except you are there."

The only two seats in baseball that were rated higher than the Dugout Club by USA Today were the seats atop the Green Monster in left field at Fenway Park in Boston and the view from the hotel room that is in center field at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Neither is considered "premium seating" by traditional baseball standards.


ACADEMY TO PRESENT EMMY AWARD TO DODGERS TOMORROW

“Governors Award” honors club’s 50th Anniversary in Los Angeles


LOS ANGELES, CA – The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will present its Governors Award to the Los Angeles Dodgers tomorrow at the Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards. In this 50th Anniversary season, the Academy is recognizing the Dodgers’ role as pioneers of sports television and leaders in community service in Southern California. Hall of Famer Vin Scully, who has personified the club’s broadcasting excellence during the entire period, received the honor in 1991.

“The Dodgers are a true staple of Los Angeles history and have had a tremendous impact on the city, and on broadcasting, for the last 50 years,” said John Shaffner, chairman and CEO of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. “We are very pleased that the Television Academy’s Board of Governors voted to bestow this well-deserved honor on an organization that not only brings enjoyment to the television community but is also committed to making a difference in our city.”

Dodger President Jamie McCourt is expected to attend, as are a host of Dodger stars of the past including Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda, Don Newcombe, Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, Tommy Davis, Wes Parker, “Sweet Lou” Johnson, Lee Lacy, Kenny Landreaux, Jim Gott, Derrel Thomas, and Jimmy Campanis.

The Board of Governors created the award to recognize individuals, companies, or organizations for an outstanding legacy of achievement in the arts, sciences, or management of television, or in recognition of an outstanding singular achievement or contribution.


The Los Angeles Dodgers, pioneers in sport and world culture, are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2008. In that period, they have won more games, more pennants, and more World Series than any other club in the National League. Since the start of the modern era in baseball, the Dodgers of Brooklyn and Los Angeles, combined, have a cumulative attendance of more than 180 million, the highest total in the history of baseball or any other sport.
Visit the Dodgers on the Internet at www.dodgers.com.

Republican Inaccuracies And Hypocrisy Show No Bounds

I realize that in this day and age of modern American politics, one side is going to constantly attack the other side on the issues-- both real and unreal. So, as much as I hate such tactics, I get it.

However, the only thing I would ask for--and I assume the majority of Americans would hope for as well--is that the attacks are factual in nature and they are not hypocritical. The speeches and some of the commentary we heard Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention did not live up to those requests.

In the words of Associated Press journalist, Jim Kuhnnenn, Sarah Palin and her Republican supporters "stretched the truth" in their reproach of Barack Obama and their praise of one another.

As far as the hypocrisy is concerned, I think I'll just turn it over to The Daily Show's Jon Stewart.




Again, I understand the relentless attacking of the other side, but those attacks, even if aimed towards my favored party, would carry much more weight with me if they were accurate and fair.

I'm beginning to think, unfortunately, that such a request is far too much to ask in today's political forum, especially from conservatives.

UPDATE: Speaking of hypocrisy!

Georgia Republican Congressman Westmoreland Calls Barack And Michelle Obama "Uppity"

Damn! Really?

Hell, why didn't he just add nigger to it? I mean, no one's ever been called an "uppity cracker."

It's funny how no one wants race to be a factor in this election, but the Republicans keep referring to it and always in a negative manner.

By Mike Soraghan
thehill.com

Georgia Republican Rep. Lynn Westmoreland used the racially-tinged term "uppity" to describe Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama Thursday.

Westmoreland was discussing vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin's speech with reporters outside the House chamber and was asked to compare her with Michelle Obama.

"Just from what little I’ve seen of her and Mr. Obama, Sen. Obama, they're a member of an elitist-class individual that thinks that they're uppity," Westmoreland said.

Asked to clarify that he used the word “uppity,” Westmoreland said, “Uppity, yeah.”

Other Democrats have charged that the Republican campaign to paint the Illinois senator as an “elitist” is racially charged, and accused them of using code words for “uppity” without using the word itself.

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/westmoreland-calls-obama-uppity-2008-09-04.html

Sports Illustrated Internship Available

SI.com is looking for a paid edit intern to work full-time through December for $10/hr.

Primary Duties/Responsibili ties of Position: Producing, reporting, writing, general editorial tasks.

After the internship, you'll walk away knowing/learning: Knowledge of sports, the internet, the media, writing and journalism.

Skills Desired/Required: Good writing, organizational, computer and time management skills.

Please apply using the following link. http://jobs.brassring.com/1033/ASP/TG/cim_home.asp?partnerid=391&siteid=5161&Codes=CXXX,104968BR

Chalmers, Arthur Sent Home From NBA Rookie Program

Seriously, how dumb do you have to be to get kicked out of the NBA rookie transition program by engaging in the same activity about which you are being educated??

RYE BROOK, N.Y. (AP) - Former Kansas stars Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur were sent home Wednesday from the NBA's mandatory rookie transition program for violating unspecified league rules.

Both the Miami Heat, who drafted Chalmers, and agent Sam Goldfeder confirmed to The Associated Press that the guard left the program. Neither would divulge the reasons why the former Kansas standout, who hit the overtime-forcing jumper in the Jayhawks' win over Memphis in the national championship game five months ago, was asked to depart early from the resort in southern Westchester County, a short drive north of Manhattan, where the event was taking place.

"I'm in the process of investigating what exactly is going on," Goldfeder said.

The Heat said they also were investigating and declined further comment.

"The players were sent home for violating program rules," NBA spokesman Tim Frank said. "They will be appropriately sanctioned and will have to repeat the program next year."

Arthur, a 6-foot-9 forward who was chosen late in the first round by New Orleans, was traded three times on draft night and signed his rookie contract with Memphis in early July. The Grizzlies acknowledged Arthur "was sent home ... for violating program rules" but declined to give details.

"He will be sanctioned at a later date, and he will have to repeat the program next year," team spokesman Dustin Krugel said.

In addition to returning to the symposium in 2009, the former Jayhawks both may be facing a fine and suspension from the NBA.

Chalmers left Miami on Monday to begin the program, a four-day event which is required of all newcomers entering the league and focuses on issues such as life skills, handling finances, the importance of character and image, the difference between NBA and NCAA game rules, legal matters and dealing with media.

Chalmers is expected to compete for the starting point guard spot with the Heat when training camp begins later this month. He was drafted early in the second round by Minnesota and quickly traded to the Heat, who raved about his play in the Orlando summer league and signed him to a two-year deal.

"We really don't know all the facts yet, and I certainly would never comment publicly on any personal matter concerning any player I have ever coached," Kansas coach Bill Self said. "Beyond that, I can say that both Mario and Darrell were great to coach. They played a huge role in our success the past few years, in large part due to their unselfishness and the sacrifices they made for our program."

Sarah Palin: "Iraq Is A Task Of God"

Check out this excerpt from a recent address Sarah Palin gave at her hometown church where she referred to the Iraq War as a "task of God."

My question is, Who exactly gets to determine God's plan?

Click the link below for the video portion of this address.

Three months before she was thrust into the national political spotlight, Gov. Sarah Palin was asked to handle a much smaller task: addressing the graduating class of commission students at her one-time church, Wasilla Assembly of God.

Her speech in June provides as much insight into her policy leanings as anything uncovered since she was asked to be John McCain's running mate.

Speaking before the Pentecostal church, Palin painted the current war in Iraq as a messianic affair in which the United States could act out the will of the Lord.

"Pray for our military men and women who are striving to do what is right. Also, for this country, that our leaders, our national leaders, are sending [U.S. soldiers] out on a task that is from God," she exhorted the congregants. "That's what we have to make sure that we're praying for, that there is a plan and that that plan is God's plan."

Religion, however, was not strictly a thread in Palin's foreign policy. It was part of her energy proposals as well. Just prior to discussing Iraq, Alaska's governor asked the audience to pray for another matter -- a $30 billion national gas pipeline project that she wanted built in the state. "I think God's will has to be done in unifying people and companies to get that gas line built, so pray for that," she said.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/02/palins-church-may-have-sh_n_123205.html

JUSTIN SPEIER NAMED ANGELS’ RECIPIENT OF THE 2008 ROBERTO CLEMENTE AWARD PRESENTED BY CHEVY

Justin Speier today was named the Angels’ recipient of the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy. He is one of 30 Major League Club nominees for the national 2008 Roberto Clemente Award, which is given annually to the Major League Baseball player who combines outstanding skills on the baseball field with devoted work in the community.

Tomorrow will mark the seventh annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball in 2002 to honor the legacy of Roberto Clemente.

The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy, is part of Chevy’s official sponsorship of Major League Baseball, and recognizes those players who best represent the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contributions to their teams.

The award is named for Clemente, a 12-time All-Star and Hall of Famer who died on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. This award perpetuates Clemente’s legacy and character by recognizing current-day players who truly understand the value of helping others.

Fans are encouraged to participate in the selection of the national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy. From September 3rd through October 5th, 2008, fans can log on to www.chevy.com/clemente and vote for one of the 30 Club nominees.

Speier makes a continuous effort throughout the season to reach out to the local community making numerous visits to young patients at local children’s hospitals and hosting children from the Make A Wish Foundation at Angel Stadium. Speier also participated in the Challenger League Youth Baseball Tournament held at Angel Stadium last November, working with children with physical disabilities for a day of baseball and fun at the ballpark.

A former Marine, Speier also continues to reach out to recognize members of the military. Speier spent a day at sea during the offseason visiting the crew aboard the USS Nimitz as well as paying a visit to the Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland to meet with soldiers injured while serving our country.

Speier will be honored during pregame ceremonies at Angel Stadium prior to the Friday, September 12th game vs. the Seattle Mariners.

The fan vote winner will be tallied as one vote among those cast by the selection panel, which includes Vera Clemente, wife of the late Hall of Famer, and Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. Participating fans automatically will be registered for a chance to win a trip to Game Three of the 2008 World Series, where the national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy will be announced.

As the official sponsor of the Roberto Clemente Award, Chevy will donate $7,500 to the charity of choice of each of the 30 Club recipients. Chevy also will donate $30,000 and a Chevy vehicle to the national winner’s charity of choice and an additional $30,000 will be donated by Chevy to Roberto Clemente Sports City, a not-for-profit organization in Carolina, Puerto Rico, designed to provide recreational sports activities for children.

UCF Sends Media Trying To Join O'Leary Teleconference On Amusing Detour

The following story could happen to anyone, and probably has happened to a few of us. So, I'm not dogging the UCF media relations person.

I just thought it was funny.

posted by Iliana Limón on Sep 1, 2008 4:13:52 PM

UCF's teleconference with Coach George O'Leary was canceled today and because school officials accidentally gave the number for a phone sex line instead of the teleconference number.

When I dialed in, the voice on the other line said, "Hi sexy, you've reached the one-on-one fantasy line." I gasped, hung up and figured I must have dialed the wrong number. So, I checked the UCF news release and dialed again, but I got the same phone sex hotline complete with offers I can't really post on this blog.

It turns out Leigh Torbin, UCF's new director of athletic communications, accidentally listed one digit incorrectly when he released the teleconference information and sent the media on an amusing detour. Torbin said he feels terrible about the error and set up another teleconference with O'Leary at noon Wednesday.

"Today's scheduled call was not able to occur due to my own technical mistakes for which I deeply apologize," Torbin wrote at the end of the latest news release announcing the Wednesday teleconference.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college_ucf/2008/09/opps-ucf-sends.html

Go Check Out Charger Girls As They Unveil Their 2008-09 Swimsuit Calendar

WHAT: The Charger Girls, the hottest dance team in the NFL, will unveil their 2008-09 Swimsuit Calendar. A portion of all proceeds from the calendar sales will be donated to the American Diabetes Association.

The calendar was shot on location at scenic points in and around San Diego by Chargers team photographer Mike Nowak. The Charger Girls swimwear was provided exclusively by Sauvage. The styling for the Charger Girls was provided by E FACTOR salon & spa.

WHEN: Thursday, September 4

7 pm, VIP Reception
7:45 pm, Official unveiling
9-10 pm, Open to the public

WHERE: Universal
1202 University Avenue

San Diego, CA 92103

619-692-1900

http://www.chargers.com/charger_girls/

Leave Palin's Daughter Out Of The Campaign

As much as the news of Sarah Palin's daughter's pregnancy flies in the face of all her conservative beliefs as it relates to sex education and the practice of abstinence, I do not believe her daughter's pregnancy should into question Palin's ability to serve in public office.

Nor do I think it should be a road that Obama/Biden should venture down that road during the campaign. Leave that up to the liberal blogs and talk show hosts because we all know, if the situation was reversed, the likes of Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity would be all over it. But just because conservatives seem to always use such mudslinging practices, it doesn't mean everyone or anyone else should.

I think a much bigger issue is the investigation underway in Alaska as to whether she tried to force the firing of a state trooper involved in a custody battle with Palin's sister. And after the state commissioner would not fire the trooper, the governor allegedly turned around and fired the commissioner. This would be a huge abuse of power and further call into question her judgment as a public official.