November 2, 2006

So much news let’s jump right in…

NASCAR Update:
After investigating last Sunday’s roll bar incident, NASCAR found visual evidence that Robby Gordon had indeed intentionally produced a caution by throwing roll bar padding onto the racing surface. He was docked 50 owner and 50 driver points as well as fined $15,000. The points are fine but $15,000 is kind of like pocket change, don’t you think?

Fred Wanke, the crew chief on the #01 car in the Busch Series has been fined $2,500 for rules violations that occurred at Memphis on Saturday. Johnny Sauter pilots the #01.

International Speedway Corp has struck a deal with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway which will allow ISC to purchase the remaining 37.5% ownership stake in Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL. With the $69 million purchase, ISC will be the sole owner of both tracks.

Around Sports:
Baseball
Don Mattingly has been officially promoted to bench coach for the New York Yankees. Mattingly played for the Yanks from 1982-95 and was a six time all star. He rejoined the Bombers in 2004 as the hitting coach. Many see this move as the next step to becoming manager of the Yankees when Joe Torre leaves.

Mets reliever, Guillermo Mota was suspended for 50 games after violating Major League Baseball’s steroid policy. Mota is the third player to receive this new tougher suspension.

The Major League Baseball All-Stars are in Japan for a five game series against Japanese baseball. In Thursday’s warm-up game, the MLB team was able to tie the game in the ninth inning off the bats of Mets third baseman, David Wright and Braves centerfielder, Andruw Jones. Jones hit two homeruns in the game including his ninth inning bomb and a sixth inning solo shot. Phillies first baseman, Ryan Howard also hit a homerun in the sixth. The MLB All-Stars will play their first three games in the Tokyo Dome and the final two in Osaka and Fukucka. (via si.com)

The Colorado Rockies declined to pick up the option on Ray King’s, Jose Mesa’s and Mike Dejean’s contract. Without picking up the three relievers, the Rockies have gained $6 million in cap room.

Sad News…Silas Joseph Simmons, a former Negro League player, has died at the age of 111. As a left handed pitcher, Simmons played for the New York Lincoln Giants, the Cuban Stars and the Germantown Blue Ribbons from 1912-1929. Don’t we all wish we could make it to 111?

Basketball
Two Sacramento Kings were ejected from Wednesday’s game where the Kings lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 83-92. Team leader, Mike Bibby, who was originally expected to miss the first two weeks of the season, was ejected in the fourth quarter after receiving two technical fouls for arguing with the ref. Maurice Taylor was ejected after having words with T’Wolves star, Kevin Garnett.

Congratulations to Jason Kidd who picked up his 76th career triple-double in a Nets 102-92 win over the Toronto Raptors.

Football
Jets running back, Curtis Martin is out for the season. Even after months of rehab, Martin still has been unable to get his knee to a point where he can play. His future is still very murky as to whether he will ever play again, or just retire. This is why Tiki is retiring, so he’ll be able to walk properly into the Fox & Friends studio.

Random Quote: On si.com’s pop culture grid, Brent Barry of the San Antonio Spurs answered “[the]pet you're dying to own” question with “Miss July 2005.” I don’t think that a playboy bunny counts.

Popo in my crib News:
Well, if the popo can’t stop him, the Titans are hoping they can after suspending cornerback, Adam “Pacman” Jones for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones will not be able to practice and will face financial penalties. This stems from an October incident where Jones allegedly spit on a woman in a night club. He was charged with misdemeanor assault. This is his third arrest and second since August. Watch out Pacman, because the popo are on your tail!

Around the World:
Sales of Pickup trucks and SUVs have doubled as compared to this time last year. Meanwhile, fuel efficient car sales have stayed flat. Maybe people are realizing that it would take ten years to recoup the additional money they ponied up to make the car a hybrid. Oops! (via yahoo.com)

After a $19 million renovation, the Russian Tea Room in New York City will reopen today. The opulent 28,000 square foot restaurant, which is now owned by Gerald Lieblich, was home to whose who in New York Society. This will be the third reincarnation of the Tea Room after it closed in 1995 and 2002.

Celebrity Tid Bits:
George Strait announced his new tour for 2007. He will have special guest Ronnie Milsap on all the dates. The tour kicks off in Lafayette, LA on January 11th and runs through March 3rd in Denver. If you haven’t seen him before, make it a priority, you will not be disappointed.

Heidi Newfield has announced that she will be leaving the band, Trick Pony, at the end of December to pursue a solo career. Fake tears are falling from my eyes.

Congratulations to Jeff Bates who proposed to his girlfriend of three years, Kelly Vaughn on Wednesday during his performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Just in case you were wondering, she said yes.

Prince will be performing every weekend in Las Vegas beginning on November 10th. You can see him on Fridays and Saturdays at 3121, a club located inside the Rio Hotel. Tickets will cost $125.

TV ALERT: The OC premieres on Fox at 9 PM/est!

NBC has officially pulled Kidnapped from the schedule and will air repeats of Law & Order in the Saturday 9-10 PM slot…In other TV news, ABC has ordered four additional scripts for What About Brian and given full season pick ups to Brothers and Sisters and Ugly Betty.

Reba will make its season debut on November 19th with back to back episodes airing at 7 PM/est. I’m so excited! (via thefutoncritic.com)

Happy Birthday shout outs to Talan from Laguna Beach (20) and Nelly (32).

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate