November 10, 2006

Happy Veterans Day!

Last night, Christa, Niki and I went to see Mary Poppins on Broadway. This is the final week of previews as it opens next week. I thought the sets were amazing. They really did a great job on that. I thought the acting was great, but I wouldn’t say the play was great. Although in the end, somewhat like when I watch Wizard of Oz, I realize, I just don’t like the story. I think I checked my watch like four or five times throughout the play. The girl next to me, who I thought was about 10 years old, had a ball. She was clapping up a storm and really enjoyed it. A lot of the kids leaving the theater (oh and there were a lot of kids because I didn’t realize it was teachers convention) had big smiles on their faces.

I think at minimum this play is good for 9/10 year olds. The three kids in front of us fell asleep during the first act and their parents took them home. They looked like they were maybe 6. Bare in mind, the play begins at 8 PM during the week and is 2 hours and 45 minutes with a 15 minute intermission. Also there is a creepy animal scene that might scare little children. Overall if you’re even a moderate fan (which apparently I’m not) of the books or movie you should check it out!

In theaters:
Babel
Stranger than Fiction
Harsh Times
A Good Year
The Return

NASCAR Update:
Only two more races remain in the 2006 season and this weekend we’re going to Phoenix. Phoenix is a tricky, flat, one mile track. If Denny Hamlin or Dale Earnhardt, Jr. wants any chance at this Championship, they are going to have to “suit up” and take advantage of any errors Jimmie Johnson may have. Junior has won twice at this track, but in the past two races has produced a 40th place and 23rd place finish, while Hamlin has an average finish of 23.5. After last week, Matt Kenseth trails Johnson by a scant 17 points.

Qualifying for the Checkers Auto Parts 500: Friday @ 5 PM/est on Speed
Checkers Auto Parts 500: Sunday @ 2:30 PM/est on NBC

NASCAR Notes: In a change of heart, the Maricopa County police department has declared Kurt Busch an honorary deputy. I guess they’re over Kurt’s little hissy fit last year that cost him the final two races of the season…NASCAR CEO Brian France crashed his Lexus into a tree near his home in Daytona Beach, FL on Tuesday. Reports show that France told police he was “drinking a soda and driving when he ‘bumped something’ and the drink spilled in the car.” Hit something…kinda big…like a tree! What was mixed with the soda? The good news, France is ok. (Daytona Beach News Journal via jayski.com)

Giants Update:
The Giants take on the Chicago Bears in the first flex game of the season on NBC. The Bears were embarrassed by the Miami Dolphins last week and are looking to take revenge on an injury plagued Giants team. Michael Straham and Amani Toomer both suffered injuries during the Texans’ game that will keep them out of this week’s game. Osi Umenyiora, who has missed the last two games, is listed as doubtful and Plaxico Burress, Sam Madison, Carlos Emmons, Sinorice “I’m just not going to play this season” Rice and Justin Tuck are all listed as questionable.

New York Giants v. Chicago Bears: 8:15 PM/est on NBC

Random Quote: “I think I would like to find the sniper that is hidden somewhere in this place.” – Tiki Barber on the string of Giants injuries

Around Sports:
Baseball
Former Brave, J.D. Drew opted out of the remaining three years of his contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers enabling him to become a free agent. It came as somewhat of a shock to the Dodgers organization, but something that’s not a shock, Scott Boras is his agent. Drew batted in .283 with 20 homers and 100 RBIs. (Yeah, but Frenchy hit 29 homers and 103 RBIS and he’s only 22! So not missing Drew in Right.)

Tom Glavine is said to be weighing his options. On Thursday, Glavine filed for provisional free agency. Glavine has until Friday to exercise his $7.5 million player option with the Mets, while the Mets have until November 20th to exercise a $14 million team option. Glavine has said in the past that there are only two teams he is willing to play for and they are the Mets and the Atlanta Braves. Come back home Tommy! (via si.com)

The San Diego Padres traded second baseman, Josh Barfield to the Cleveland Indians. This opens up a spot at second base for Marcus Giles of the Atlanta Braves, where he would join his older brother, Brian. Rumors are running rampant that the Braves are looking to trade Giles. If they send him to San Diego they could pick up a solid relief pitcher which could bridge the innings between the starter and closer Bob Wickman.

The Houston Chronicle is reporting that second baseman Craig Biggio has signed a contract with the Houston Astros for one year and $5 million. This will be Biggio’s 20th season with the Astros.

Basketball
The Dallas Mavericks are winless no more. They beat the Phoenix Suns, 119-112 on Thursday! Now they’re just 1-4. I know I know…it’s still early.

Football
In a huge upset, Rutgers beat #3 Louisville 28-25 and remains undefeated. This doesn’t stop Rutgers from being super gross.

IRL
Scott Sharp is joining Rahal-Letterman next season. Scott is a 38 year old veteran of the series while Rahal-Letterman experienced a disappointing 2006 season. They also lost marquee driver Danica Patrick to Andretti Green Racing and are having trouble finding sponsorship for 2004 Indy 500 winner, Buddy Rice. (whom I thought was going to Champ Car next year, but anyway…) Sharp will join Jeff Simmons. (via si.com)

Popo in my crib News:
Buffalo Bills safety, Donte Whitner has been charged with harassment after a little tiff with his girlfriend. Watch out Donte, because the popo are on your tail!

Around the World:
In moron of the week news…a 22 year old was injured in Great Britian when he apparently tired to “launch a powerful firework from his bottom,” police said.
(AFP via yahoo.com)

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Johnny Cash’s former home in Memphis will be auctioned off on ebay beginning Friday. He lived there from 1957-1960 with his former wife, Vivian and their daughters.

Congratulations to Carrie Underwood, her debut album, Some Hearts, has been certified quadruple platinum for sales of over four million copies. Take that Katharine McPhee!

According to eonline, Men in Trees, Veronica Mars and Studio 60 have all been picked up for a full season. Additionally, Men in Trees will be moving to Thursdays at 10 PM/est in the slot after Grey’s Anatomy for a trial run beginning November 30th.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Heather Matarazzo (24), Ellen Pompeo (37), Mackenzie Phillips (47) and Sinbad (50).

It’s been fun blogging with you,

Kate