To new beginnings, both hairy and job-ish...

For those of you who just couldn't believe it, or perhaps for those of you who have just never seen the spectacle-- that, right over there, is a clean-shaven Mark Shugar mug (OK, one day stubble).

After conferring with Tim, we've decided it's the first time I have been clean-shaven since freshman year. What else is there left to say? It was a good three-and-a-half-year run (feel free to post your favorite memories of Shugar facial hair from over the years).

On to more important matters. I WROTE MY FIRST STORY TODAY! It was a 622-word feature on a Dodgers' pitching prospect, Brent Leach (class 'A' -- Inland Empire 66ers). Word from the bossman is it will run in a weekly/monthly(?) 'E-Zine' sent to Dodger fans. Estimated circulation: 750,000 people.

Score.

(I will post the story, or a link to it, if I can. I don't want to jeopardize MiLB/MLB copyright laws in the process and get fired...or worse. At the very least, you may be able to e-mail me --mailto:-mark.shugar@gmail.com-- and I can send you an edited copy).