Animal Crossing: Wild World (AC:WW) for the Nintendo DS has got to be one of my favorite games of all-time. It’s so appealing to me on a few different levels. First, it’s on the DS, which I really prefer to a console system because I can power it on in seconds in any room of the house (or apartment in my case). I can use my headphones and play a game in bed without disturbing Mariko or the kids, because I can keep the lights out.

Secondly, the soundtrack of the game is wonderful! It’s really relaxing and soothing. It sounds awesome when using headphones, and even the built-in DS speakers sound great. I even plugged it into my car stereo’s aux-in port to listen a little bit while driving. Ok, that’s so lame, I can’t believe I admitted it! But that just shows how much I like the soundtrack.

Have you ever eaten one thing right after another, and the two tastes combine to form a completely different, but recognizeable flavor? This has been happening a lot with me lately, and usually involves coffee. If I have some coffee right after having some minty gum, the resulting taste will be smoky bbq sauce. Another time, I had some coffee, and the aftertaste was just like a Dodger dog. Hmmm…

The 2006 Dodgers are going to be interesting to watch. The recent acquisitions are already giving us fans hope that the Dodgers will make the playoffs. I just watched the press conference where the Dodgers introduced Nomar Garciaparra as their newest player, and now I can’t wait for the new season to begin! It would be great if Nomar can stay healthy and become a team leader. He is from SoCal, and talked about how his first MLB game he ever saw was at Dodger Stadium, and how his parents used to take him to Phillipe’s and pick up French dip sandwiches, then go watch BP at the stadium.

The Dodgers still need help in the outfield, and some pitching. But, the team will be much more fun to watch and follow this year. Nomar is going to be a big hit with the fans. I just hope it doesn’t turn into another Darryl Strawberry fiasco… 🙂

As a lifelong Dodger fan, this past year has been totally crazy. The firings of the manager and GM were shockers, as was the hiring of the SF Giants assistant GM as the new Dodger GM. At first I thought that it was awful that the Dodgers would do that, but then I realized that it might be a terrific move. We get a great GM (I’m optimistic), and the Giants lose a valuable member of their organization. Two birds!

Anyways, it seems that the Dodgers owner has loosened his purse-strings (something nobody expected) and has let Coletti go out and sign players. A few weeks ago, it seemed like no one wanted to be associated with the Dodgers. Now it looks like they are righting the ship, and people are willing to come on board again. It all turned around when Coletti signed Rafael Furcal to a big contract. Then came Grady Little as manager, followed by Bill Mueller (and Sandy Alomar Jr.) And the Dodgers are in the running for acquiring a few more free agents as well, including Nomar, who lives in SoCal, and Johnny “The Passion” Damon. I’m pretty psyched about the Dodgers going into the 2006 season. Heck, it can’t be any worse than 2005, and I am thinking it will actually be a whole lot better! Go Blue!!!