September 5, 2006

Tree down across the street

Well it was a very eventful weekend, mostly because of Tropical Depression Ernesto. (My goodness, if a tropical depression caused this much havoc, I couldn’t imagine what a Hurricane could do.) On Saturday, many of you knew that I was supposed to head on down to Philly to catch the Braves take on the Phillies. It was decided (more like me being nice) that we would not go down because we weren’t sure how long we would have to wait for the game to start or if it would even start. (After an one and half hour rain delay the game began and the Braves won off of an Adam LaRoche homer in the ninth inning.) So instead we went over to Bloomies/Tiffany’s and I picked up two pairs of very cute shoes. We had lunch went home and about 2 minutes later a tree fell down across the street knocking out the cable and well a power line was on the road, but we never lost power. (Pictures up tomorrow of the downed tree) After three phone calls over two days we still do not have cable, which sucks when you are trying to watch a NASCAR race on a black and white 5 inch screen. Instead we watched TV pilots, Ugly Betty being my favorite, and High School the Musical, which was amazing. We had a nice lunch with the Bennetts on Sunday. Then we watched some more YouTube gems. Can never get enough of it. Yesterday we went over to Toys 'R' Us to pick up a gift and then over to Lord&Taylor where I got some socks. Last night I watched the Braves game on gameday because apparently, I’m in a blackout area when the Mets are on TV and could not watch it on mlbtv! I also had Wife Swap on because that was the only station I could get on the portable TV. Yikes!

The popo practically in my crib!

Braves Update:
Chuck James tossed a one hitter last night allowing the Braves to beat the Mets 5-0 at Shea. Mets’ pitcher Steve Trachel issued seven walks including one to Brian McCann with the bases loaded. Bobby Cox notched his 2,158th win of his career as manager moving him into 5th all time. John Smoltz takes the mound tonight at Shea at 7:10 on TS.

Games to .500: 5
Games behind San Diego Padres: 5
Games behind New York Mets: 18.5

Braves notes: Marcus Giles was suffering from a severe case of acid reflux on Saturday and could be back as early as tonight. Originally it was thought that he had a malfunction in his heart valve…Chipper Jones will be out of the lineup for at least a week due to continuing oblique problems. Chipper could miss the remainder of the season, depending on how the Braves do in the next 10 days.

NASCAR Update:
As reported before, I was unable to truly follow the race on Sunday (try watching a color visual sport on a 5 inch black and white, it’s really hard!) so I don’t really have much insight into the race. I do know that Kasey Kahne won. He is only the fourth driver to win both the Memorial Day race and the Labor Day race in the same season. Someone likes official government holidays! If only they could race on say Thanksgiving or Christmas. Reed Sorenson tried to make the race on fuel mileage but it back fired allowing Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to finish 2nd. Clint Bowyer used the same strategy but finished 3rd. At the end of the race, we had a new points leader, Matt Kenseth.

Standings after California
In the Chase:
1. Matt Kenseth Leader
2. Jimmie Johnson -9
3. Kevin Harvick -342
4. Jeff Gordon -387
5. Kyle Busch -394
6. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. -412
7. Denny Hamlin -413
8. Tony Stewart -444
9. Mark Martin -457
10. Jeff Burton -459
Outside Looking in (behind 10th)
11. Kasey Kahne -30
There’s always 2007
12. Carl Edwards -226
13. Greg Biffle -290
14. Kurt Busch -403
15. Casey Mears -464
16. Ryan Newman -499
17. Jamie McMurray -515
18. Clint Bowyer -521
19. Scott Riggs -560
20. Brian Vickers -561
New Jersey’s Finest
23. Martin Truex, Jr. -656

Chase news: The Chase could contain 11 drivers according to a new rule that goes into effect for this season. If more than one driver ties for 10th place, they would all get into the chase. Previously, the 10th position would be set by the tie breaker rule. The driver with the most wins would break the tie, if that is tied it goes to the driver with the most seconds and so on. In theory, if Kasey Kahne ties with the 10th place driver, both would make the Chase.

Congratulations to Bobby Hamilton. After going in for tests last Thursday the 2004 Truck Series Champion was given a clean bill of health. Hamilton had been battling cancer since February. Hopefully the same can be said about Benny Parsons, soon!

Giants Update:
Giants set their final 53 man roster after waving 21 players on Saturday. They have subsequently signed seven players to their practice squad. Manning Bowl is only five days away!

Around sports:
Ben Roethlisberger overcame a serious motorcycle crash earlier this summer and looked ready to start in the Steelers opener on Thursday. Unfortunately, Big Ben had emergency appendectomy surgery and will miss Thursday’s game but is thought to return for the Steelers next game. This will be Roehtlisberger’s third season in the NFL.

San Diego Chargers linebacker, Steve Foley (no relation to Matt Foley, motivational speaker), will miss the entire season after being shot by an off duty police officer over the weekend.

Andre Agassi ended his career after a third round loss in the U.S. Open.

Random Quote: “Not only are we trying to win this season -– Wright Now!” – New York Mets’ 3rd baseman, David Wright (via David Wright's Blog)

Around the World:
Patrick Von Ailmen of Lanesville, IN was killed by his pet python. So it was not a good week for humans cavorting with wild animals.

Popo in my crib News:
Ronald Isley of the Isley Brothers, was sentenced to 37 months in jail for tax evasion. The R&B singer owed $3.1 million in back taxes. Watch out Ronald, because the popo are on your tail!

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Invincible hung on to the top spot at the weekend box office bringing in $15.2 million over the weekend. It was followed by new releases, Crank with $13 million and The Wicker Man with $11.7 million. Indie hit, Little Miss Sunshine came in fourth with $9.7 million with The Illusionist rounded out the top five with $8 million.

“Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin was killed yesterday after being stung by a sting ray while filming a new documentary at Batt Reef off the coast of Australia. Irwin was 44.

Katie Couric will debut on the "CBS Evening News tonight". She is the first permanent solo network TV news anchor. You go girl!

In car accident that you can’t turn your head away from it news, Rosie O’Donnell will debut as the fourth co-host on "The View" this morning. I give this arrangement 6 months before Rosie says something so completely inappropriate that they over look the young dumb ones inability to make a novel and coherent point and fire Rosie instead.

Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz are still not engaged.

Dierks Bentley announced he will go on tour this fall with Miranda Lambert and Randy Rogers Band. The Locked & Loaded tour kicks off October 4th in Auburn, AL.

If you shop at Wal-Mart, you can pick up Coca-Cola and Diet Coke bottles featuring Brooks & Dunn. There are approximately 2.9 million units being shipped so get them while you can!

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Bob Newhart who turns 77. I hope Darrell and my other brother Darrell can attend the birthday festivities.

It’s been fun blogging with you,


Kate