50 Ways to Celebrate the L.A. Dodgers' 50th

Congrats to my cubical neighbor Jon Weisman, who gets a nice write up in the L.A. Times' Guide section this week. The piece cites 50 different ways to bleed Dodger blue in this 50th year.

Here's what Kevin Bronson and Cindy Bertram wrote about Jon and his Dodger Thoughts site:

As a guy who, at age 10, "wanted to be Vin Scully" when he grew up, native Angeleno Jon Weisman has been synthesizing media reports, analyzing between-the-lines drama and occasionally venting on his Dodger Thoughts blog since 2002. If you're looking for online snark, move on; Weisman and his readers merely exude true-blue passion. dodgerthoughts.baseballtoaster.com/

It's been a good few weeks for Jon, who just welcomed Weisman Kid #3 into the world. Everyone's doing fine; Jon says Kids 1 and 2 adore the new entry.

A few more entries from the Dodger piece:

OFF WITH THEIR HEADS

The Dodgers are making quick work of honoring new manager Joe Torre -- his Bobblehead Night is April 25, the first of five doll giveaways for the season. Best of all? Fans vote online for which player will be immortalized in polyresin at the Aug. 12 giveaway.

LISTEN TO VIN AND JAIME

The comforting cadence of Vin Scully -- "The Voice of the Dodgers" -- has provided the soundtrack to summer for 58 seasons. And with Jaime Jarrín helming the team's Spanish-language broadcasts, it gives the Dodgers the distinction of being the only team with two Hall of Fame announcers. KABC-AM (790), KHJ-AM (930) and various TV affiliates.

PRE- OR POSTGAME

Myriad eateries in the Echo Park and Silver Lake areas cater to the ballgame crowds, but our favorites are pregame fare at Taix French Restaurant -- which isn't known so much for its French as its collegial atmosphere -- and a nightcap at the Short Stop, though there can be culture clashes between ball fans and the jukebox-and-photo-booth crowd. Taix, 1911 Sunset Blvd.; Short Stop, 1455 Sunset Blvd.

BEATS A TEXT MESSAGE

Yes, it will set you back $50 to tell your girlfriend you love her, or wish Dad a happy birthday, with a message on the Dodger Stadium Ribbon Board behind first and third base. But proceeds go to the Dodgers Dream Foundation, and you get a 5-by-7 color photo of the message.

OH SAY . . .

Can you see yourself singing the National Anthem to a crowd of 56,000? Submit your rendition on a DVD, CD or video, with a professional bio to: Jane Biondi, Special Events, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., Los Angeles CA 90012