History Made in the USA

Chicago, IL

After a morning shoot-around with friends, Barack Obama calmly went about his day leading to one of the most historic moments in the United States history. It would be foolish of me not to mention this historic feat. With a message of hope and unity,  Obama seemed to captivate and compel the nation. In a race that looked like that of Barbaro's in the 2006 Kentucky Derby, this one was decided early. Though the entire left coast was still open for discussion, the talks were over. Barack Obama is the new President Elect, and will be the 44th to lead our great nation. As Jackie did for baseball, and Earl Lloyd did for the NBA, he will be the first African American to cross a 221 year old Presidential color line and usher in a new era. 

As I sat in my California home and watched the returns, having already voted in the am, I sat amazed. It was not just seeing Sen. Obama elected to office that had me so affected. I eyed the tube and saw genuine excitement across the country, even the world. It was the mass gathering of our country's citizens in Chicago and Times Square,  New York. This same electricity was present in Seattle and Denver,  again in Atlanta. Even more moving, was witnessing cheering tribes in Kenya gathered around small radios and dancing with white, plastic chairs. I think this is when it hit me. This is for real, this is for change, this is forever. No matter what happens from here, we were a part of something special... something historical.

El Segundo, CA

A day after a tough 1-0 loss against the Ducks, the Kings are home getting ready to go against the Florida Panthers. Head coach, Terry Murray, was confident in what he saw of the 26 year old net minder Ersberg. Confident enough to go right back to him tonight. Erik Ersberg played well allowing only one goal in the loss and making a couple of big saves in the second period. The Kings look to improve with some good stats on their side. They are second in the league in shots allowed and 3rd in face-offs won, behind only San Jose and Detroit, respectively. Also, looking towards Saturday and St. Louis, it will be Murray's 750th game as coach in the NHL.

Los Angeles, CA

Clippers, still playing for their first win, hope to bounce back as they lost their home opener to the Lakers by 38 points a week ago tonight. Every Laker scored at least 4 in that match up. Opening up 3-0, the Lakers look to start 4-0 for the tenth time in franchise history. The best season start,  11-0 belongs to the 1997-98 squad. Andrew Bynum is expected to start, after straining his right rotator cuff attempting to block a shot in practice this week. Marcus Camby will also play tonight, only his second game of the year, after missing time with a heel injury.