December 5, 2006

Last night I watch While You Were Sleeping. I had never actually seen it before, but it was so cute. I also loved the mid 90s fashions. What were thinking, bagging ill fitting clothing or short ill fitting clothing? Everything was just so wrong!

What I’m Listening to:
I finally picked up a copy of Sugarland’s newest album, Enjoy the Ride and I haven’t been able to stop listening to it. I’ve always loved lead singer, Jennifer Nettle’s voice, but I’ll admit, I was not in love with their first album, Twice the Speed of Sound. Of course, I had “Baby Girl” stuck in my head for weeks, but the rest of the album was lackluster. That’s why I am so impressed with Enjoy the Ride. It’s a rarity in this business to find an artist’s sophomore effort surpass the quality of their debut, but Sugarland broke the mold. I love the energetic tracks like “County Line,” “Settlin’” and “Everyday America” but it only takes one listen to “Stay” to hear the true magic of Sugarland, Nettle’s powerful and unique voice. Sugarland definitely raised the bar on their second album Enjoy the Ride and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

NASCAR Update:
NASCAR’s dreams of holding a race in New York City has hit a speed bump. International Speedway Corp (ISC) has dropped plans to build a track in Staten Island. Maybe Lesa France Kennedy (ISC President) watched “True Life: I’m from Staten Island.”

According to Scenedialy.com, Ryan Newman has a new crew chief, Mike Nelson. He’ll replace Newman’s long time crew chief, Matt Borland.

Greg Biffle and Kyle Busch will be testing tires at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Wednesday and Thursday. This will be the first time Cup cars will be testing on the new banking, which was installed after the Cup cars raced there in March.

Around Sports:
Baseball
Chris Carpenter agreed to a five year, $63.5 million contract extension with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Former Brave, Greg Maddux, who originally looked like he would resign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has reportedly been in talks with a different California team, the San Diego Padres. (foxsports.com)

On Monday, pitcher Vincente Padilla and the Texas Rangers reached a preliminary 3 year, $33 million deal.

Basketball
Congratulations to Dwayne Wade, who was named the Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated.

Football
I don't know if you've picked up on my minor obsession with Friday Night Lights (book/movie/TV Show). The real life Friday Night Lights team, Odessa Permian lost to Southlake Carroll, 42-6 in the Class 5A Division I Region I semifinals in High School football.

Hockey
The St. Louis Blues will retire Brett Hull’s #16 tonight. Hull played for the Blues for 11 seasons included a three year stretch from 1989-92 where he scored at least 70 goals a season.

Random Recipe: Si.com asked a few athletes to make their favorite recipes. New York Giants back-up quarterback, Jared Lorenzen had this winner:

Pink Jell-O Surprise

Ingredients: Large box strawberry Jell-O; one cup boiling water; 1/2 cup cold water; one package soft cream cheese; one bag frozen strawberries.

How to make it: Prepare Jell-O per box instructions. Put in fridge to thicken. Put Jell-O, cream cheese and frozen strawberries in a blender. Put back in refrigerator until firm. Eat.
(si.com)

Around the World:
America, we’re getting healthier. A report by the United Health Foundation found American’s health was slightly improving. They also named Minnesota the healthiest state in the country for the fourth straight year. Meanwhile, New York City, not one to sit on its hands, passed a law banning Trans fats in New York City restaurants. I hope this doesn’t affect the taste of my french fries, because otherwise I’m over being healthy. (cnn.com)

Popo in my crib News:
Cincinnati Bengals Rookie Reggie McNeal was arrested for resisting arrest on Sunday in Houston. McNeal was allegedly upset that the popo would not let him into a club. Watch out Reggie, because the popo are on your tail!

Minnesota Timberwolves player, Eddie Griffin, plead guilty to inattentive driving charges on Monday. Griffin was forced to pay $375 in court fees and fines. Watch out Eddie, because the popo are on your tail!

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Congratulations to “Scrubs” star, Sarah Chalke on her engagement to long time boyfriend, Jamie Afifi.

Eddie Murphy was everywhere today. Murphy, who stars in the upcoming movie Dreamgirls, has broken off his relationship with former Spice Girl, Mel “Scary Spice” B. The couple got hot and heavy over the summer and even went on a family vacataion together. But the true Maury style drama comes from the baby Mel is carrying. Murphy has publicly questioned its paternity. Don’t cry for Murphy, who has moved on from Mel to Babyface ex, Tracey Edmonds. The couple has been dating for a month and a half. The stunning Ms. Edmonds accompanied Murphy to the New York premiere of Dreamgirls. Since his divorce, Murphy has dated “Access Hollywood” reporter, Shaun Robinson, Mel B. and now Tracey. Yikes!

Congratulations to Carrie Underwood, who picked up five Billboard Music Awards on Monday including Country Album of the Year for Some Hearts.

Rumors that Keith Urban left rehab are untrue according to Urban’s rep. Urban did leave the facility for a outing but returned shortly after. Urban entered the Betty Ford Center on October 19th.

Congratulations to Dolly Parton who received the Kennedy Center Honor on Sunday. Many of Nashville’s stars come out to pay tribute to Parton including Carrie Underwood and Kenny Rogers who performed “Islands in the Stream.” Also in attendance were Alison Krauss, Shania Twain and Vince Gill.

TV ALERT: An all new Gilmore Girls premieres on the CW at 8 PM/est. Luke and Christopher will finally duke it out. Here's hoping that Luke finally takes out Christopher once and for all!

TV ALERT: Friday Night Lights on NBC at 8 PM/est. What do I do when I'm faced with two great shows on at the same time? Tape one and watch it at 9! (Or Tivo/DVR it if you're up on the technology)

TV ALERT: If you missed last week's premiere you should be ashamed...but you can redeem yourself by checking out an all new episode of My Boys on TBS at 10 PM/est!

I’m going to cry…Life & Style is reporting "O.C." cast mates, Rachel Bilson and Adam Brody have split after two years of dating. It’s Life & Style so I don’t completely believe the news until one of their reps confirms it!

Happy Birthday shout outs to Nick Stahl (27), Margaret Cho (38) and Little Richard (74).

It’s been fun blogging with you,

Kate