January 31, 2007

I was a little busy yesterday so unfortunately, I was unable to update my blog. Here’s the best of today and yesterday’s news.

NASCAR Update:
Paul Menard was the only non-Evernham Motorsports car to lead a practice session at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this week.

NASCAR is looking for a $30 million sponsor to take over for Busch Beer as title sponsor of the Grand National Series.

DirecTV Hot Pass has announced the fiver drivers viewers will be able to watch live during the Daytona 500. They are Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (#8), Tony Stewart (#20), Kevin Harvick (#29), Jimmie Johnson (#48) and Michael Waltrip (#55).

For everyone who have to work a 9 to 5 jobs like me, Speed TV is making it easier to catch the Gatorade Duels at Daytona. Speed will have live coverage of the Duels and will then re-air them in primetime. So you don’t have to worry if your VCR/Tivo breaks! Of course, it will be edited so the drivers will really be on their best behavior!

Random Quote: "...I don't know why people complain about it. We're race car drivers, for gosh sakes. The cars just go fast - it's not the track's fault. The cars would be easier to slow down than build a track that isn't fun for the fans to watch." -Michael Waltrip on high speeds at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (foxsports.com)

Giants Update:
Chris Palmer has been hired as the Giants Quarterback’s coach. Palmer has worked with Drew Bledsoe, Mark Brunell and David Carr.

Giants third-year safety Gibril Wilson was no match for a couple of armed toughs outside a trendy Bowery nightclub last week.
-- New York Daily News (thanks Howard)

Around Sports:
Baseball
Barry Bonds gave the San Francisco Giants the right to terminate his overpriced $15.8 million contract if he is indicted.

The New York Yankees have invited veteran outfielder Bernie Williams to spring training but have yet to offer him a contract.

Basketball
The Phoenix Suns had their 17 game win streak snapped thanks in part to Kevin Garnett’s 44 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Suns 121-112 on Monday.

Kobe Bryant was suspended one game for hitting San Antonio Spur Manu Ginobilion Sunday.

Around the World:
A Chinese student posted an ad on a bulletin board at his school for a female student to pose as his girlfriend for ten days while he was visiting his parents. The student would pay this lucky lady 1000 yuan or $130. This gives whole new meaning to the word desperate. (AP)

Jim Wilson, an 84 year old WW II veteran claimed his $254 million Powerball prize. I hope he took the lump sum. (AP)

Popo in my crib news:
Brandy is being sued by the parents of the woman killed in an auto accident triggered by the “Moesha” star. The family is asking for $50 million. This comes after the California Highway Patrol recommended that Brandy be charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. Watch out Brandy, because the popo are on your tail! (tmz.com)

In actions you shouldn’t copy Dontrelle Willis news….San Diego Chargers safety, Terrence Keil was cited for urination in public on December 18th. This is Keil’s second offense in three months. First Dontrelle, then Truex, and now Keil, when will this fad end? Watch out Terrence, because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

Cynthia Sommers was convicted of poisoning her marine husband, Sgt. Todd Sommer to receive his $250,000 life insurance policy. Sommers used her money to get her boobs done (Of course!) soon after her husband’s death. She faces an automatic life sentence, where I’m sure the huge boobs will come in handy. Watch out Cynthia, because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

Stephen A. Parker was charged with drunk driving after he drove his SUV onto a frozen portion of the Mississippi River in Iowa. The ice broke sending he, his son and his SUV into the freezing River below. Luckily, he and his son, Steven, Jr. escaped without injury. This is Parker’s third drunk driving arrest. Watch out Steven, because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Congratulations to Miss Oklahoma Lauren Nelson who was crowned Miss America on Monday.

The Police will reunite for the Grammy’s adding fuel to the fire that they will reunite for a tour. (Reuters)

TV ALERT: Julie and Tyra friends? Jason and Lyla engaged? Will Matt cheat? Find out on an all new episode of “Friday Night Lights” @ 8 PM/est on NBC

Don’t believe all the rumors, Kristin Veitch is reporting that T.R. Knight aka George will not be leaving “Grey’s Anatomy.” (eonline.com)

The mayor of Oshawa, Canada, John Gray lost a hockey bet to Stephen Colbert and now the city will celebrate Colbert’s birthday on March 20th with Stephen Colbert Day! (usatoday.com)

Miss USA, Tara Conner admitted to using cocaine. Can you fire her now?

Happy Birthday shout outs to Justin Timberlake (26), Portia de Rossi (36), Minnie Driver (36), Anthony LaPaglia (48) and Nolan Ryan (60).

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

January 29, 2007

Yesterday I had brunch in Brooklyn with my mom, my brother, his fiancée Karen and my neighbor, Maggie. We ate at Beast, which everyone else loved, but I need sugar in my maple syrup. It totally killed my French toast. But on the upside, the blueberry muffin from the bread basket was to die for!

NASCAR Update:
Texas Motor Speedway announced they will fix a 200 foot section of the track between turns one and two after complaints by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (AP)

Las Vegas testing began today. 55 teams are expected to test at the newly banked speedway on Monday and Tuesday.

In another mismatched grand marshall news…Nicolas Cage will be the grand marshall of the 2007 Daytona 500. Ben Affleck, Ashton Kutcher, and now Nic Cage? How about Larry the Cable guy, Jeff Foxworthy, or Blake Shelton someone that at least knew what NASCAR was before they got the check in the mail!

Random Quote: "Look at what built this sport. Don't sanitize everything. We used to have some pretty good events after the race was over. Now if you shove somebody, it's a $10,000 fine. And let them say what they want without taking points away." - Bruton Smith (espn.com)

Around Sports:
Baseball
Curt Schilling said he will not retire after the 2007 season. Soon we’ll have to make two leagues in baseball, the senior tour and the junior tour because everyone seems to be either 40+ or 22. Well…It works for golf.

Sad news…Former St. Louis Cardinals GM, Bing Devine died at the age of 90.

Sports super couple, Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra, has kicked off a program “9 to 5” that will help patients and their families in their fight against cancer. (yahoo.com)

College Basketball
Stanford upset # 3 UCLA 75-68 on Sunday.

Golf
Tiger Woods won his seventh straight tournament, The Buick Open, on Sunday.

Sports Car Racing
Congratulations to Chip Ganassi Racing and its Telmex Daytona Pro-Type driven by Juan Pablo Montoya, Scott Pruett and Salvador Duran on their Rolex 24 hours at Daytona win on Sunday.

Tennis
Congratulations to Roger Federer and Serena Williams on winning their respective singles titles at the Australian Open this weekend.

Around the World:
The world’s oldest person, Emma Faust Tillman of Hartford, CT has died at the age of 114.

A British study found children with straighter teeth do not necessarily have a happier life. That’s because everyone in Great Britain has crooked teeth. If this study was done in America where you’re chastised if you don’t have perfect teeth, I think the study would have different results. (Reuters)

Popo in my crib News:
Shaquille O’Neal chased down an alleged hit and run driver on Sunday. O’Neal and his body guard Jerome Crawford followed a Cadillac Escalade driven by Emmnueo Cibrin to a gas station where O’Neal and a nearby police officer approved the car. At post time, no record of a ticker or arrest was listed for Cibrin. Watch out Emmnueo, because the popo are on your tail! (si.com)

In I was supposed to that? news…Three democrats including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi failed to report they were leaders of family charities violating a law requiring members of congress to report non-profit leadership roles. The other two lawmakers are Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) and Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN). Bloggers find out about “American Idol” contestant’s criminal records, how did you think this wouldn’t come out? Watch out Nancy, Rahm and Evan because the popo are on your tail! (usatoday.com)

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Congratulations to the cast of “The Office” on winning the best ensemble in a comedy series award at the 13th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday. Other big winners included the cast of “Grey’s Anatomy” which picked up best ensemble in a drama series and Chandra Wilson won for best actress in a drama series. The cast of Little Miss Sunshine won the big award, best ensemble in a motion picture and Helen Mirren was a double winner for best actress in a TV movie and best actress in a motion picture.

Congratulations to Ashley Jensen from “Ugly Betty” who married her long time boyfriend Terrence Beesley.

TV ALERT: Miss America will be crowned live @ 8 PM on CMT.

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla Parker-Bowles have been visiting the US this weekend making stops in Harlem and in Philadelphia.

Epic Movie soared to the top of the box office this weekend raking in $19.2 million. Smokin’ Aces came in second with $14.2 million followed by Night at the Museum ($9.5 million) and Catch and Release ($8.0 million). Stomp the Yard ($7.8 million) rounds out the top five.

Congratulations to Kenny Chesney, his album The Road and the Radio has gone triple platinum for sales of 3 million copies.

Happy Birthday shout outs to Andrew Keegan (27), Thomas Jane (38), Ed Burns (39), Oprah Winfrey (53) and Tom Selleck (62).

YOU TUBE MUST WATCH CLIP: Bride has massive hair wig out

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

January 26, 2007

Last night I went to the Safety Council Meeting. It’s amazing how no matter what the subject; I can make a NASCAR reference.

In Theaters:
Smokin’ Aces
Blood and Chocolate
Catch and Release
Epic Movies
Fired (limited)
Searphim Falls (limited)

NASCAR Update:
NASCAR legends like Richard Petty, Junior Johnson, Ned Jarrett and Darrell Waltrip broke ground for the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC on Thursday. The $107.5 million facility will open in the spring of 2010.

Giants Update:
Swedish company, Skanska has received $998 million to begin building the new Giants and Jets Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. The stadium, which has ballooned to a $1.4 billion price tag, is expected to open in 2010.

Around Sports:
Baseball
Seven weeks after a preliminary agreement between J.D. Drew and the Boston Red Sox was struck, a baseball insider said the two sides are ready to make the five year, $70 million contract final.

The Texas Rangers and Sammy Sosa are close to agreeing on a minor league deal. Sosa did not play last season.

College Basketball
The Duke Blue Devils narrowly escaped Clemson with a buzzer beating 68-66 win on Thursday.

The Washington Huskies stunned the # 7 Oregon Ducks 89-77 on Thursday.

Sports Car Racing
The 24 hours at Daytona will air live on Speed this weekend. Alex Gurney in the #99 Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley will start from the pole.

Around the World:
We already knew that Hollywood leans more democratic than the leaning tower of Pisa, but now those Dems have a big decision to make, Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. And remember kids, it’s Hillary Clinton not Bill Clinton!

The days of 60 degree weather in January seem like a distant memory for much of the northeast which is currently experiencing temperatures well below normal with wind chills under zero.

An Israeli Spa is offering a new beauty treatment that features snakes. Snakes in a Spa! (I couldn’t resist.) For only $70 you can let snakes slither across your body. I say “you” and not “us” or “we” because I would never, ever, allow snakes into my personal space. (Reuters)

Popo in my crib News:
Christopher Daniel Gay, an escaped convict, stole Crystal Gayle’s tour bus from a Nashville garage and drove it to Lakeland, Fl where he tried to pick up NASCAR driver Tony Stewart. A racetrack official said that Gay appeared unkempt and not befitting of the tour bus. Gay told track workers that he was going to McDonald’s and never returned. Watch out Christopher because the popo are on your tail!

Al Unser, Jr. was charged with DUI and leaving the scene of a crash after a traffic accident on the Las Vegas Beltway. Unser allegedly sideswiped a car around 11 AM Thursday morning. Unser has had run-ins with the law before. He underwent alcohol treatment after hitting his girlfriend in 2002. Drunk at 11 AM, something tells me he’ll be visiting a rehab clinic soon. Watch out Al, because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Blues legend, B.B. King has been hospitalized in Galveston, TX. King was scheduled to play the Grand Opera House on Thursday night.

Congratulations to Emma “Baby Spice” Bunton who is expecting her first child with boyfriend Jade Jones.

Oprah’s latest choice for her book club is Sidney Poitier’s “Measure of a Man.” Look out for it on a bestseller list near you.

Keith Urban announced a few U.S. cities for the North American leg of his Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing world tour. The tour kicks off on June 8th in Phoenix, AZ and he’ll play 36 shows in 33 cities. (cmt.com)

Brad Paisley announced he will perform at the New Orleans Jazz festival this spring.

Happy Birthday shout outs to Wayne Gretzky (46), Ellen Degeneres (49), Eddie Van Halen (52), Lucinda Williams (54) and Paul Newman (82).

Random Quote: "I refuse to ever write a song about ANY trappings of fame. That's like your head crowing inside your ass, only set to music. Lots of people think "Vultures" is about fame and the entertainment industry, but it's not. It's more about where my confidence comes from."
-John Mayer (People.com) John, I'll only say this once, but I'm totally disappointed in you, with this whole "dating" Jessica Simpson thing.

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

January 25, 2007

This morning was little rocky, I almost lost my train pass and then I almost fell down the escalator, which would be a first, because usually I fall walking up it, but that’s another story. Then, I went over to Urban Outfitters to find a cute hat that is both warm and fashionable, well I couldn’t find one, but I did get a pair of Vans for $10. How awesome is that? And it’s the pair that I used to have but wore a hole in both shoes, so now I have a replacement pair.

NASCAR Update:
Jeff Gordon thinks Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will not return to DEI after this season citing Junior’s rocky relationship with his Stepmother, Teresa Earnhardt. I’m sorry, but when did you guys become friends. Last thing I remember you were complaining about Junior’s driving style. I guess someone’s getting soft in their old age.

Jack Roush has declared war on Toyota in the Nextel Cup Series this season. Roush has won two championships since 2003 and had five drivers in the Chase for the Nextel Cup in 2005. Toyota, on the other hand, only has two out of its seven teams guaranteed a spot in the Daytona 500 and only have one driver that has a championship, Dale Jarrett. Plus two of its teams are brand new and the other is Bill Davis Racing. Hmm…Let me guess who’ll win this war! (usatoday.com)

Around Sports:
Baseball
On June 2nd fans will receive an Adam LaRoche bobblehead doll when they attend the Pirates game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. LaRoche, who was recently traded from the Braves, has yet to have an at bat with his new team. (si.com)

The New York Mets gave Manager Willie Randolph a three year, $5.65 million extension.

Champ Car
Ford Motor Company has withdrawn their support from Champ Car World Series. Ford had been with the sport since 1992 when it was called CART.

Football
Yahoo.com is reporting that taped conversations between New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush and his family with a sports marketing firm may confirm that Bush received gifts while playing at USC. No wonder why he left a year early.

Hockey
The West beat the East, 12-9 in Wednesday’s NHL All-Star game. Who has an All-Star game on a week day?

Tennis
Roger Federer beat Andy Roddick in straight sets at the Australian Open. Roddick shouldn’t even show up when he plays against Federer, I mean this is becoming ridiculous.

Random Quote: "We're sometimes confused with real estate developers. We're not."
Boston Red Sox team President Larry Lucchino on the modernization of Fenway Park. (courant.com)

Around the World:
Apparently it’s not their lack of experience that makes them terrible drivers it’s all the distractions in their car. A new study co-sponsored by All State Insurance found that friends and cell phones, not drinking and driving led to car accidents for teenagers. Teens are four times more likely to be killed in a car accident than adults. (AP)

Ford Motor Company reported a record loss of $13.7 billion last year. That’s like the GDP of a mid-sized country.

The University of North Carolina accidentally sent 2700 acceptance emails to prospective freshman. Unfortunately, all of those students were actually on the waiting list. Oops! UNC sent out correction emails to heartbroken students.

Popo in my crib news:
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry was sentenced to two days in jail after pleading guilty to allowing minors to drink alcohol in his hotel room. Watch out Chris, because the popo are on your tail!

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Anne Heche and husband Cooley Laffoon have separated after five years of marriage. She is reportedly involved with her “Men in Trees” co-star James Tupper who recently split with his wife. So that solves that blind item on Watch with Kristen.

Nicole Kidman was injured in a car accident on the set of her new movie The Invasion. The actress was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and was released two hours later.

POSSIBLE COUPLE ALERT: Supermodel Gisel Bundchen and Patriots QB Tom Brady.

TV ALERT: An all new "Ugly Betty" is on tonight at 8 PM/est on ABC

TV ALERT: Countdown to the final episode of "The OC" continues tonight at 9 PM/est on FOX

Happy Birthday shout outs to Alicia Keys (26) and Etta James (69).

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

January 24, 2006

Last night I checked out the State of the Union address and I learned a few things:

1. Mint green is not flattering on everyone. Yes, it’s amazing that there is a madam Speaker of the House, but mint green? Really Nancy, you clashed with your surroundings. There was a reason Dick Chaney didn’t change his tie to match your outfit. He was trying to do you a favor. Maybe you should have changed your suit to match his tie. The green just washed you out on TV.

2. Apparently not everyone realized this was going to be televised. I’m talking to you Ted Kennedy; did you enjoy your nap?

3. The Mullet is back! I didn’t learn this because Billy Ray Cyrus is going to be on “Dancing with the Stars” Season 4. No, I learned this from looking at Hillary Clinton last night, positioned right behind Barrack Obama…hmm very interesting…

4. Dikembe Mutumbo is an American Citizen. And here, I thought that he had to have a visa to play basketball. Silly me.

5. The President, ain’t too proud to beg, y’all. “Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq and I ask you to give it a chance to work," Bush added, “Please, please, pretty please, I’ll give you whatever you want. Who wants to throw a party at my place? Dick Chaney can make quite a cosmo…” (cbsnews.com)

NASCAR Update:
More rules changes were announced, this time it involved the past champions provisional. The provisional can only be used six times this season in the Nextel Cup Series. In the Busch Series, a similar cap on the provisional allows past champions to use the provisional once every eight races. In the Cup Series it can be used consecutively or just enough to allow Dale Jarrett to get his Toyota Camry into the first five races which use the 2006 points to determine the top 35 teams which are guaranteed a spot in the race.

Kevin Harvick criticized Teresa Earnhardt, calling her a “deadbeat owner.” In more shocking news, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. actually defended his stepmother telling reporters that she has had to deal with a lot of off the track stuff that people don’t really hear about.

Sad news…Washington Redskins coach and owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, Joe Gibbs, announced that his grandson Taylor has been diagnosed with Leukemia. The two-year olds father is J.D. Gibbs who heads JGR.

Around Sports:
Baseball
Yankee Stadium will host the 2008 All-Star game.

Robinson Cano has given up his #22 for #24, just in case Roger Clemens decideds to come back to the Yankees next season. (AP)

Basketball
Dwane Casey has been fired from his head coaching position with the Minnesota Timberwolves after only a year and a half.

Tennis
Porhando Gonzalez upset second seated Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open on Wednesday.

“Wrestling”
Sad news…Scott “Bam Bam” Bigelow has died at the age of 45. A funeral service will be held in his hometown of Neptune, NJ. (AP)

Around the World:
A 77 square foot “studio” is for sale in London’s Kngihtsbridge neighborhood for $335,000. The closet sized apartment currently has no electricity. On the plus side, it’s in walking distance to Hyde Park and Harrods. Although if you shopped at Harrods a lot you might have to invest in a storage cite to put all of your goodies. (AP)

A bill in Washington state would allow well behaved and leashed dogs into bars across the state. You know they invent dog beer, so they’ve got to have a place to drink it. (AP)

Popo in my crib news:
After calls for Israeli President Moshe Katsav to step down due to impending rape and abuse of power charges, Katsav has taken a leave of absence. Katsav is being accused by four woman but has maintained his innocence. Watch out Moshe, because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

Mike Nifong, District Attorney for Durham County and former prosecutor in the Duke Lacrosse case has been charged with “ethics violations for his conduct” in the case. I guess he went to UNC. Watch out Mike, because the popo are on your tail! (abcnews.com)

Separated at Birth:

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Tmz.com is reporting that “singer/actor” Brandy caused a December 30, 2006 car accident that killed one person. Brandy reportedly, did not notice the 2005 Toyota in front of her was slowing down and rear-ended it which caused the 2005 Toyota to hit the car in front of it and then slid across the street and was hit by another car. The driver of the Toyota was killed. Brandy however was uninjured. Lucky her. As of this post, no charges have been brought up against the I Still Know What You Did Last Summer star.

TV ALERT: An all new episode of “Friday Night Lights” airs tonight on NBC at 8 PM/est.

Happy Birthday shout outs to Mischa Barton (21), Tatyana Ali (27), Mary Lou Retton (39) and Neil Diamond (66).

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

DEI 2007 Team Photo

January 23, 2007

Not only am I late in posting but I’m also going to have to keep it short! :(

NASCAR Update:
There are a few more adjustments to the Chase for the Championship:
1. 400 points cut-off has been eliminated
2. After 26 races, the 12 Chase drivers will have their points reset to 5000
3. Each driver will then receive 10 points for every win they had during the previous 26 races. For example, driver A won three races and will begin the Chase with 5030 points, while driver B only won one race and will begin with 5010.

There have also been changes to the annual all-star race:
1. The Nextel Open will feature two segments, with the top two drivers at the end of the first segment advancing into the all-star race
2. Also joining the top two will be the top fan vote getter. (yeah, we’ve seen how deserving that person can be….Kyle Petty?)
3. The All-Star race will have four 20 lap segments.
4. There will no longer be any inversions after segments. (Thank goodness)

For more information on the new formats go to nascar.com

Around Sports:
Football
ESPN.com is reporting that Donavan McNabb is unhappy in Philadelphia and may not be back with the Eagles next season. (Thanks Howard)

At 31, Lane Kiffin became one of the youngest head coaches of all time when he was announced as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders.

T.O. said he was glad to see Bill Parcels retire. He cried that Parcels gave him the silent treatment. Something we all hope T.O. adopts with the media.

Around the World:
In tonight’s State of the Union Address (9 PM/est) President Bush will ask citizens to curtail their gas consumption. In a related story, concerned citizens asked President Bush to reduce troops in Iraq. Here’s to buying a new Suburban! (AP)

People of New Jersey beware…The next time a bar or liquor store asks to scan your drivers license ask why. The barcode on the back of your license contains personal information including your address, height, weight…A bar in Trenton was storing customers information and amassed a database of 15,000 names. (northjersey.com)

Popo in my crib News:
Two-time Busch Series Champion and Jersey’s Finest, Martin Truex, Jr. was arrested for disorderly conduct in a Daytona Beach, FL parking garage. Truex reportedly was relieving himself on his car when a police officer approached him. Watch out Martin, because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

Random Quote: “Capt. Rich Gardner approached Truex and said, ‘I hope that's worth 100 bucks.’ According to Gardner, Truex responded with, ‘It is worth 100 bucks,’ and he held out a $100 bill.” (AP)

Celebrity Tid Bits:
TV ALERT: All new Gilmore Girls tonight at 8 PM/est on the CW!

Oscar nominations were announced this morning. Here’s list of the big categories:
Best Picture
The Departed
Babel
Letters From Iwo Jima
Little Miss Sunshine
The Queen

Best Actor
Forest Whitaker “The Last King of Scotland”
Leonardo DiCaprio “Blood Diamond”
Ryan Gosling “Half Nelson”
Peter O’Toole “Venus”
Will Smith “The Pursuit of Happyness”

Best Actress
Helen Mirren “The Queen”
Judi Dench “Notes on a Scandal”
Penelope Cruz “Volver”
Merryl Streep “The Devil Wears Prada”
Kate Winslet “Little Children”

Best Supporting Actor
Eddie Murphy “Dreamgirls”
Alan Arkin “Little Miss Sunshine”
Jackie Earle Haley “Little Children”
Djimon Hounsou “Blood Diamond”
Mark Wahlberg “The Departed”

Best Supporting Actress
Jennifer Hudson “Dreamgirls”
Ad Riana “Babel”
Cate Blanchett "Notes on a Scandal"
Abigail Breslin “Little Miss Sunshine”
Rinko Kikuchi “Babel”

For a complete list of all the nominees head over to oscar.org

Congratulations to Ani DiFranco and boyfriend Mike Napolitano on the birth of their daughter Petah Lucia on January 20, 2007.

Congratulations to Taylor Swift. Her debut album has gone gold selling 500,000 copies. Not bad for a teenager.

Happy birthday shout outs to Tiffani (drop the Amber) Thiessen (33) Mariska Hargitay (43) and Princess Caroline of Monaco (50).

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

January 22, 2007

This weekend Christa and I headed down to Baltimore to visit our friend Kathleen for her house warming. Besides the random stranger that knocked on my car window at the rest stop and the 60 MPH winds that practically moved my car off the road, it was a great weekend.

NASCAR Update:
According to foxsports.com, the Chase for the Nextel Cup will add two more drivers to the mix bringing the total to 12 drivers and there will be extra five points given to the winner of each race. The addition of two drivers was obviously to appease corporate sponsors and not to add to the quality of racing!

Congratulations to Stephane Peterhansel on winning the Dakar Rally. Robby Gordon finished 8th overall.

NFL Playoffs:
Sunday’s Scores
New Orleans Saints 14
Chicago Bears 39

New England Patriots 34
Indianapolis Colts 38

Playoff News: Peyton Manning will have x-rays on his injured right thumb. This injury will not keep him from playing in the Super Bowl...This Super Bowl would have been the first to feature one black Head Coach after Lovie Smith and the Bears beat the Saints, but Tony Dungy and the Colts decided to make it two.

Around Sports:
Baseball
Congratulations to Chase Utley who not only got a seven year, $85 million extension, he also got married on Saturday.

David Wells and the San Diego Padres came to a preliminary agreement on a one year, $3 million deal. He could earn an additional $4 million in incentives.

Basketball
The NJ Nets Richard Jefferson will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle on Monday.

Football
Bill Parcels has decided to retire from coaching football. This leaves the Dallas Cowboys searching for a new head coach.

Mike Tomlin, defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, is expected to be named the new head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers taking over for Bill Cowher.

The Miami Dolphins have hired Cam Cameron as the new head coach replacing Nick Saban.

Around the World:
Terrie Berdenden has created a beer for dogs. The pet show owner felt bad that after a long day of hunting she could unwind with a beer but her dog could not. By using beef extract and malt, her dogs can enjoy a nice cold one. (AP)

In that’s why we have insurance news…A survey found that 81% of Americans do something else while they drive. 80% admitted to adjusting the radio, 73% said they talked on their cell phones (a major pet peeve of mine) while 19% said they text messaged and 5% said they checked their email. And you wonder why you’re involved in so many car accidents. I once saw someone reading a book and driving in traffic. That takes the cake my friends! (Reuters)

Popo in my crib News:
Cinncinati Bengals cornerback Jonathan Joseph was arrested on Monday for marijuana possesion. He is the ninth Bengal to be arrested this season. Watch out Jonathan, because the popo are on your tail!

A drunken ship captain ran a ship aground in Latvia. Apparently, there was quite a party on board seeing that four other crew members were also a little tipsy. Watch out drunkards because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

Random Quote: "Unfortunately, alcohol is involved in one of the cases. We don't need this -- we have enough problems with drunk drivers already. When you add drunken sailors to that -- that is not a normal situation." -Krists Leiskalns, a spokesman for the interior ministry (AP)

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Apparently “The Bachelor: Rome” Prince Lorenzo Borghese had second thoughts on his final pick. Lorenzo originally chose school teacher Jennifer, but has been reportedly seen in New York City having dinner with runner-up Sadie.

Congratulations to “Sister, Sister” star Tia Mowry on her engagement to long time boyfriend Cory Hardict.

Congratulations to Season 2 “Project Runway” finalist Kara Janx and boyfriend Sharone Schayegh. The pair married on January 14th.

Stomp the Yard continued its run at the top of the box office this weekend bringing in $13.6 million followed by Night at the Museum and Dreamgirls. The week’s only new released The Hitcher came in fourth and The Pursuit of Happyness rounds out the top five.

According to tmz.com, Billy Ray Cyrus, Ian Ziering, Joey Fatone and Laila Ali will be a part of the fourth season of “Dancing with the Stars.”

Watch out NYC bars, because Miss USA Tara Conner just got out of rehab!

Congratulations to Rodney Atkins on his second #1 single, “Watching You.”

Martina McBride’s new album Waking Up Laughing will be released on April 3rd. (Or as I like to call it, the day before my birthday!)

Happy Birthday shout outs to Willa Ford (26), Beverly Mitchell (26), Diane Lane (42) and Linda Blair (48).

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

January 19, 2007

Last night on my walk home, I was snowed on! I can’t believe I was actually excited to see snow. Of course, it really only accumulated to about one inch, which is just the way I like it.

I added a few pictures to Tuesday’s post last night, so don’t be afraid to check them out. Then I watched “The Office” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Both were good, but how amazing was *SPOILERS* Jim admitting he still had feelings for Pam? Also loved Jim and Pam hiding Andy’s cell phone. I like Andy in small doses, but as of late it’s been way too much Andy!

In Theaters:
The Queen (wide)
The Hitcher
The Italian
Mafioso
Alone With Her

Braves Update:
One day after trading first baseman Adam LaRoche to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Braves have signed Craig Wilson to a one year, $2 million contract. The 30 year old could platoon with Scott Thorman at first or Ryan Langerhans in left field.

NASCAR Update:
Teresa Earnhardt says she would like to keep stepson, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in the # 8 car for DEI. She is even willing to give some control of the company to Junior. Negotiations between the two parties are on going.

Kelly Clarkson has signed the largest spokesperson deal ever made with NASCAR. While the financials are unclear, it is known that Clarkson will headline a concert the Sunday before the Daytona 500 which will air on FOX. She’ll also be the spokeswoman for NASCAR Day, star in a commercial promoting NASCAR which will run all season and perform at the Awards Banquet in New York City on December 3rd. I am so loving this pairing! (AP)

Giants Update:
The Giants have promoted quarterback coach Kevin Gilbride to Offensive Coordinator.

NFL Playoffs:
Sunday’s Games
New Orleans Saints @
Chicago Bears (3PM)

New England Patriots @
Indianapolis Colts (6:30 PM)

Around Sports:
Baseball
A report in the New York Times claims the San Francisco Giants maybe trying to get out of their deal with Barry Bonds. Maybe they shouldn’t have offered so much money or started negotiations with him in the first place. You know he’s a ticking time bomb for multiple reasons. I feel a Ron Artest moment approaching. (foxsports.com)

The Cleveland Indians have signed Trot Nixon to a one year, $3 million deal.

Football
Seattle Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck had surgery on Thursday to repair torn cartilage in his non-throwing shoulder. He is expected to make a full recovery by training camp. (AP)

Tennis
Congratulations to Pete Sampras and Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario on being elected to the Tennis Hall of Fame on Wednesday. (A little late on this one!)

Around the World:
As bad storms batter the US dumping ice and snow across the country, Europe is being hit with hurricane force winds which have knocked out power in parts of Germany and Poland. A girder fell from the side of a new train station in Berlin crashing onto an outside staircase. The station was evacuated but no injuries were reported. (And I thought Secaucus Junction was bad.) A total of 41 people have died as a result of this storm. (CNN)

Toyota is recalling 533,000 SUVs and trucks. Six injuries and 11 accidents were reported due to a faulty component that could make the vehicle difficult to steer. The SUVs and trucks being recalled are the 2004-2007 Sequoia and 2004-2006 Tundra. (Reuters)

The House has wrapped up their 100 hours blitz and boy are they tired! In just over four days time, the House has passed six Bills including a Bill to rollback incentives for oil and gas companies, a Bill to increase Stem Cell research funding, one to lower interest rates on College loans, one to raise the Federal minimum wage and one to increase port security. Not bad! Now let’s see how the rest of the year goes. (AP)

Popo in my crib News:
Ruth Turner, an aide to British Prime Minster Tony Blair, was arrested at her home on suspicion of selling honors. She was been released on bail. Watch out Ruth, because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Apparently pro surfer and former “Baywatch” hunk (yeah I remember him as Slade) Kelly Slater is the guy to go to when you’re on the rebound. Supermodel Gisele Bundhen was seen on the beach with Slater shortly after her split with Leonardo DiCaprio. Now comes word that he and Cameron Diaz have been getting hot and heavy at his Hawaiian pad. Diaz recently split with beau Justin Timberlake. I say why wait to just rebound with Kelly? He’s way hotter than Leo or Justin.

Congratulations to Can’t Hardly Wait star, Lauren Ambrose and her husband Sam Handel on the birth of their son, Orson Handel. This is the couple’s first child.

Congratulations to Keri Russell and her fiancé Shane Deary. The two are expecting their first child together this spring. (Thanks Rachel!)

Because the botched kick wasn't enough, Carrie Underwood is denying that she and Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo are dating, saying the two met before the game on Christmas Day. She also quieted things by adding that the rumor the two met on Thanksgiving when she performed during half time were untrue, because at the time she didn't even know who he was. From hero to zero in three months flat. (gactv.com)

Random Quote: It's almost better than being in a shoe department where everything's half off!" -Kellie Pickler on finding out her debut album, Small Town Girl went gold (cmt.com)

Happy Birthday shout outs to Jodi Sweetin (26), Drea De Matteo (35), Paula Deen (60), Dolly Parton (61), Shelley Fabares (63) and Tippi Hedron (76).

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

January 18, 2007

Yesterday, I was home sick. Yuck! So I spent the day catching up on “The OC” and “The Office.” Then I did a mini “Everwood” marathon. I’m becoming totally obsessed with TV shows on DVD.

Braves Update:
Braves first baseman Adam LaRoche has been traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for left-hander Mike Gonzalez pending a physical. It is suspected that two other minor leaguers are involved. The deal will be announced on Friday. I'll be sad to see Roche go, but at the same time, we still need some good arms in the bullpen. (atlantabraves.com)

NASCAR Update:
Kurt Busch was the fasted in AM practice while DEI rookie, Paul Menard paced PM practice on Wednesday.

AM
1. Kurt Busch (2A) 47.074 sec/191.188 MPH (this number seems a little off)
2. Jeff Gordon (24A) 48.755 sec/184.596 MPH
3. David Stremme (40) 48.842 sec/184.268 MPH
4. David Gilliland (38A) 48.901 sec/ 184.045 MPH
5. Juan Pablo Montoya (42) 48.966 sec/183.801 MPH
6. Kyle Busch (5A) 48.984 sec/183.733 MPH
7. Denny Hamlin (11A) 48.989 sec/183.715 MPH
8. Michael Waltrip (55A) 48.998 sec/183.681 MPH
9. David Reutimann (00A) 49.020 sec/183.599 MPH
10. Jeremy Mayfield (36A) 49.055 sec/183.468 MPH

PM
1. Paul Menard (15A) 48.103 sec/187.099 MPH
2. Kyle Busch (5B) 48.189 sec/186.765 MPH
3. Kenny Schrader (21A) 48.294 sec/186.359 MPH
4. Regan Smith (39A) 48.359 sec/186.108 MPH
5. Mike Wallace (09B) 48.437 sec/185.808 MPH
6. David Ragan (6A) 48.442 sec/185.789 MPH
7. J.J. Yeley (18B) 48.452 sec/185.751 MPH
8. David Reutimann (00B) 48.455 sec/185.739 MPH
9. Kenny Wallace (78B) 48.462 sec/185.713 MPH
10. Jeff Gordon (24B) 48.480 sec/185.644 MPH

Braun Racing announced an alliance with Biagi Brothers and ppc racing. Braun Racing will field three Toyota Camrys in 2007 with Jason Leffler (38), Dave Blaney (32) and John Andretti (10) at the wheel. (nascar.com)

Random Quote: "I've done all I can do. Now it's up to her…But, whatever happens, I'm really proud of her and how she's evolved. It's just good to know that whenever I step out of the seat, the Force name is going to go on with Castrol and the NHRA in this great sport with Ashley and maybe even with her sisters, Brittany and Courtney." – John Force on his daughter Ashley competing in NHRA Funny Car drag racing division (usatoday.com)

Around Sports:
Baseball
Aaron Rowand avoided arbitration by signing a one year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies worth $4.35 million. Can’t wait to spend my birthday with the Atlanta Braves and Aaron Rowand!

Former Atlanta Braves first baseman, Fred McGriff was hired as a special advisor by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Basketball
It didn’t take long for Chris Webber to find a new team. Days after being bought out of his contract with the 76ers, Webber moved onto the Detroit Pistons. Webber will make veterans minimum to play with his hometown team.

College Football
Sad news…South Florida running back Keeley Dorsey died after collapsing following a team workout. The freshman football player was only 19 years old.

Around the World:
Who says the United States doesn’t pay its membership dues for the UN? Unlike other countries that pay by cash/credit, the US prefers to pay by forgiving diplomat’s traffic tickets, $18 million worth to be exact. Diplomats enjoy certain immunities that say allow them to kill other people and not be charged. Didn’t you love that “CSI:Miami?” (AP)

The House of Representatives passed a new bill that will lower interest rates on need based college loans on Wednesday. The Bill which was passed 356-71 would cut the interest rate from 6.8% to 3.4%.

A Madrid court has sided with a blind driver? An insurance company has been ordered to pay $500,000 Euros to Merino, who was caught speeding by police officers 10 years ago. Merino, who lost his eye sight after a car accident, asked his wife to take a drive along an area he knew “like the back of his hand.” She obliged. (AFP)

Beijing’s Forbidden City may close down its only Starbucks after a growing backlash of the America Coffee Shop in the former Imperial Palace. I guess I’ll have to cross Beijing off of my list of places to visit. After my trip to Italy two years ago, I realized I can only travel to places where I can find a Starbucks! (Reuters)

Popo in my crib News:
Michael Vick’s reluctance to part with a 20 oz. bottle of water may lead to bigger troubles for the Atlanta Falcons QB. Authorities noticed a hidden compartment on the water bottle that contained residue of a substance similar to marijuana. Vick was able to board a plane heading to Atlanta, sans-water bottle of course. No charges have been filed. Watch out Michael, because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

“That’s So Raven” star Anneliesse Vander pol has pleaded no contest to DUI stemming from a July 10, 2006 arrest. Watch out Anneliesse, because the popo are on your tail! (tmz.com)

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Lindsay Lohan has entered rehab. (Insert your joke here.)

Brad Cotter, former “Nashville Star” winner has signed with Adobe Road Records. His first CD with the label is expected to drop this spring.

Keith Urban has been released from a rehabilitation center and is now planning a world tour.

NBC has cancelled daytime soap, “Passions.” It did re-up comedy hits “My Name is Earl” and “The Office” as well as “Heroes” and “Law & Order:SVU” for the 2007-2008 season.

TV ALERT: Catch Bill O’Reilly on “The Cobert Report” tonight on Comedy Central at 11:30 PM/est.

TV ALERT: It’s time to welcome back Oscar on tonight’s episode of “The Office” at 8:30 PM/est on NBC

TV ALERT: Only six episodes left before we have to say goodbye to “The OC.” The countdown begins tonight at 9 PM/est on FOX.

Happy birthday shout outs to Samantha Mumba (24), Jesse L. Martin (38) and Kevin Costner (52).

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

January 16, 2007

Saturday was my friend Niki’s bday party. We had a blast at Fiddlesticks, once the Eagles/Saints game was over and the private room was cleared out. They definitely played some great songs from my youth. When Mase came on, I was transported back to ninth grade!

NASCAR Update:
Sad News…1972 Cup Champion Benny Parsons has died. The 65 year old had been diagnosed with lung cancer in July and the subsequent treatment cost him the use of his left lung. Parson entered a North Carolina Hospital on December 26th due to complications from cancer.

Congratulations to Tony Stewart who won the 21st annual Chili Bowl this past weekend.

According to jayski.com, DEI has signed Jeff Earnhardt to a development deal. Jeff is the son of Kerry Earnhardt and grandson of Dale Earnhardt.

David Gilliland was the fastest on the opening day of Daytona Testing for Nextel Cup Group B.

Monday’s Speeds
1. David Gilliland (38B) 48.625 sec/185.090 MPH
2. Jeremy Mayfield (36A) 48.687 sec/184.854 MPH
3. Jeff Gordon (24A) 48.716 sec/184.744 MPH
4. David Stremme (40) 48.720 sec/184.729 MPH
5. Regan Smith (39B) 48.759 sec/184.581 MPH
6. Juan Pablo Montoya (42) 48.762 sec/184.570 MPH
7. Clint Bowyer (07B) 48.798 sec/184.434 MPH
8. Denny Hamlin (11A) 48.811 sec/184.385 MPH
9. J.J. Yeley (18A) 48.853 sec/184.226 MPH
10. Elliott Sadler (19A) 48.875 sec/184.143 MPH

Giants Update:
The New York Giants are expected to announce the promotion of Jerry Reese to General Manger, taking over for retiring Ernie Accorsi.

NFL Playoffs:
Saturday’s Scores
Indianapolis Colts 15
Baltimore Ravens 6

Philadelphia Eagles 24
New Orleans Saints 27

Sunday’s Scores
Seattle Seahawks 24
Chicago Bears 27 (OT)

New England Patriots 24
San Diego Chargers 21

Around Sports:
Baseball
Dontrelle Willis and the Florida Marlins agreed on a one year, $6.45 million contract.

The 2009 All-Star game will be played at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO.

Hall of Famer and former Atlanta Braves commentator, Don Sutton will become the new TV analyst for the Washington Nationals.

Football
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck revealed that he played the final eight games with two broken fingers in his non-passing hand. Luckily for Matt, after the Seahawks loss, he’ll have some extra time to let his hand heal!

Random Quote: "David Beckham is going to be some sort of film actor living in Hollywood."
-Real Madrid Team President Ramon Calderon (si.com)

Around the World:
A winter storm which has dumped rain/ice/snow across the nation is blamed for 41 deaths and 100,000s of power outages.

Senator Barack Obama (IL-D) has taken the initial steps to run for President in 2008.

Popo in my crib News:
Naomi Campbell pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault of her maid on Tuesday. Ms. Campbell was ordered to pay her maid’s medical expenses, complete five days of community service and attend anger management classes. Watch out Naomi, because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Last night the Golden Globes were handed out. Among the winners, was Helen Mirren who won two statues, one for Best Actress in a TV/Mini Series her role as Elizabeth I and the other for Best Actress in a Drama for her role as Elizabeth II. Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy won Best Supporting trophies for their roles in Dreamgirls. Sasha Baron Cohn won for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical while Meryl Streep picked up Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical. On the TV side, "Grey’s Anatomy" was named Best TV Series Drama, while "Ugly Betty" was named Best TV Series Comedy. Congratulations to America Ferrera, for her win as Best Actress in a TV Series Comedy.

TV ALERT: "American Idol" begins tonight at 8 PM/est on Fox

Jennifer Anniston will join BFF Courtney Cox on an episode of “Dirt.”

Dierks Bentley’s latest video, “Long Trip Alone” is available at cmt.com. It will start airing on TV January 18th.

Happy Birthday Kate Moss (33), Sade (38) and Debbie Allen (57).

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

January 12, 2007

My mom and I attempted to go to the Historical Preservation Society meeting last night since I believe my town’s going to hell in a hand basket. Unfortunately, there weren’t any parking spaces and I was hungry. So I’ll have to be a good citizen next month.

In Theaters:
Alpha Dog
Miss Potter
Arthur and the Invisibles
Primeval
Tears of the Black Tiger

NASCAR News:
Congratulations to Robby Gordon who captured stage 6 of the Dakar Rally. He is 18th overall.

Kerry Earnhardt, oldest child of Dale Earnhardt, will join DEI as an employee beginning next week. Earnhardt will act as a liaison between DEI’s Nextel Cup and Busch Series teams and serve as a test driver as well as race in a handful of races. (jayski.com)

Random Quote: "No more than 12 -- it shouldn't have been more than 10 to begin with [because] that's a quarter of the field. Why do we need to bring in more than that?" – Tony Stewart on the Chase for the Nextel Cup (nascar.com)

Giants Update:
The Giants have fired defensive coordinator Tim Lewis on Thursday. The Giants had the 25th ranked defense in the League this season.

NFL Playoffs:
Saturday’s Games
Indianapolis Colts @ Baltimore Ravens
4:30 PM/est on CBS

Philadelphia Eagles @ New Orleans Saints
8 PM/est on Fox

Sunday’s Games
Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears
1 PM/est on Fox

New England Patriots @ San Diego Chargers
4:30 PM/est on CBS

Around Sports:
Baseball
Barry Bonds tested positive for amphetamines last season and reportedly blamed teammate Mark Sweeney. Bonds has since apologized for his remarks.
Mark Mulder resigned with the St. Louis Cardinals. He’ll earn $13 million over two years with an option for a third year.

Dodger Stadium will now be offering fans an all you can section (minus beer, ice cream and candy). The right field pavilion seats will cost fans $35 or $40 if bought on gameday. Seats in the left field will cost only $10 but will not offer unlimited dodger dogs and other goodies. What an awesome idea. I hope other stadiums adopt this plan! (AP)

MLS
The Beckhams are coming to America after David Beckham signed a five year deal worth a reported $250 million (including sponsorship) with the Los Angeles Galaxy. He had been playing for Real Madrid.

Around the World:
In if it didn’t work in Arizona why not try it in NJ news…NJ wants to give one lucky voter a million dollars just for voting. NJ is hoping to increase voter turnout by essentially buying votes, only this time, it won’t be done under the table. A similar measure was rejected in Arizona. People have the right to vote, if they don’t want to vote, that’s their own mistake. The incentive to vote should be wanting to have an input in how your life is run, not getting paid! (Thanks Mom!)

The Pizza Patron has received hate mail and death threats since putting up signs saying they accept pesos as a form of payment. Exactly how many pesos does a pizza cost? (AP)

In come on, I really wanted you to be President news…Sen. John McCain (AZ-R) has sided with President Bush on the issue of Iraq. McCain believes it is a good idea to increase troops in the area. John, siding with Bush: Bad; getting as far away from Bush’s policies: Very Good!

Popo in my crib News:
Hercules, an adorable tabby weighing a scant 20 pounds, who had been stealing food out of a family’s house, was recently caught. The woman had been leaving food in a bowl for her cats to eat in her garage. She noticed that the food was disappearing much faster than usually did, until one day, she noticed Hercules stuck in the doggy door. Watch out Hercules, because the kitty popo are on your tail! (CNN) A picture of Hercules is posted below.

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Kenny Chesney announced a new stadium tour for this summer. It will star himself and Brooks & Dunn. It will also feature Sara Evans, Sugarland and Pat Green. The Flip Flop Summer 2007 tour will hit stadiums across the country starting on June 9th in Pittsburgh at Heinz Field. (cmt.com)

The Dixie Chicks will perform on this year’s Grammy Award Show on February 11th.

Congratulations to Carrie Underwood, whose debut disc, “Some Hearts” was certified quadruple platinum for sales of 4 million copies!

TV ALERT: An all new season of “24” begins on Sunday on FOX

Happy Birthday shout outs to Andy Lawrence (19), Melanie Chisholm (33), Rob Zombie (41), Christiane Amanpour (49), Howard Stern (53), Rush Limbaugh (56) and Kirstie Alley (56)

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Hercules' Photo

He's adorable!

January 11, 2006

Sorry, I'm in an all day meeting so I won't be able to post today but...


I wanted to wish a Happy 24th Birthday to my friend NIKI!

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

January 10, 2006

Last night I forced myself to go to the gym, something I should try to do a little more often. I then fell asleep watching the "People’s Choice Awards". Yeah, they were that exciting!

NASCAR Update:
Jamie McMurray paced Tuesday’s AM practice while Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was on top of the charts during the PM drafting practice.

AM
1. Jamie McMurray (26) 48.889 sec/184.090 MPH
2. Mike McLaughlin (20) 48.918 sec/183.981 MPH
3. Jimmie Johnson (48) 48.933 sec/183.925 MPH
4. Ricky Rudd (88) 48.947 sec/183.875 MPH
5. Tony Raines (96) 48.965 sec/183.805 MPH
6. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (8B) 48.966 sec/183.801 MPH
7. Joe Nemechek (13) 49.044 sec/183.509 MPH
8. Casey Mears (25) 49.049 sec/183.490 MPH
9. Mike McLaughlin (20) 49.062 sec/183.441 MPH
10. Boris Said (60) 49.071 sec/183.408 MPH

PM
1. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (8A) 48.423 sec/186.606 MPH
2. Casey Mears (25B) 48.273 sec/186.440 MPH
3. Tony Raines (96A) 48.276 sec/186.428 MPH
4. Reed Sorenson (41) 48.279 sec/186.416 MPH
5. Bill Elliott (37) 48.284 sec/186.397 MPH
6. Ricky Rudd (88B) 48.306 sec/186.312 MPH
7. Scott Riggs (10B) 48.315 sec/186.278 MPH
8. Jamie McMurray (26B) 48.327 sec/186.231 MPH
9. Grey Biffle (16A) 48.401 sec/185.947 MPH
10. Ricky Rudd (88A) 48.410 sec/ 185.912 MPH

Without a lead sponsor, IROC has announced they will postpone their season opener and skip Daytona Speedweek.

Giants Update:
The New York Giants are expected to announce they will be keeping Tom Coughlin as head coach. Coughlin will most likely have to retool the coaching staff.

Around Sports:
Baseball
Congratulations to Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken, Jr. who were voted into the Hall of Fame on Tuesday. Mark McGuire received only 23.5% of the votes, far short of the needed 75% for induction. Atlanta Braves star, Dale Murphy received 9.2%.

Former Atlanta Braves catcher, Javy Lopez has signed a one year, $750,000 contract with the Colorado Rockies.

Basketball
Sad news…Jason Kidd has filed for divorce from wife of 10 years, Joumana Kidd citing extreme cruelty. This is going to get uglier than Michael Straham’s divorce. (AP)

With their 101-86 win over the Toronto Raptors, the New Jersey Nets have moved into first place in the Atlantic Division.

Random Quote: "I feel that all the guys who started should get a stat sheet tonight. Take it on the bus with them and put it under their pillow and sleep with it. Sometimes you need that slap in the face." - Sam Mitchell, Head Coach of the Toronto Raptors on their play

Hockey
Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins is the youngest person to be voted as a starter in the NHL All-Star game besting Jaromir Jagr by six months. The 19 year old was the top vote getter.

Separated at Birth:

Around the World:
Ray Heilwagen was reunited with his wallet 62 years after he had lost it in France during World War II. Stephen Breitenstein, whose father was a WW II veteran, had recently passed away. While going through his things, Breitenstein found Heilwagen’s wallet, contacted him and mailed the wallet to Heilwagen. (AP)

Popo in my crib News:
Ana Rivera drove her suspended daughter to Woonsocket Middle School in Rhode Island so she could fight Maribel Santiago’s daughter. Talk about the bad idea train…When it was all said and done, both mothers were arrested and charged for simple assault, while their two daughters and two other girls were charged with disorderly conduct. Watch out people, because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Congratulations to Brooke Burke and fiancé David Charvet on the birth of their daughter, Heaven Rain (really?) on Monday. She joins big sisters Nerriah and Sierra Sky, Burke’s two daughters from a previous marriage.

Congratulations to Melissa McCarthy and her husband Ben Falcone. The couple is expecting their first child this spring. McCarthy plays Sookie St. James on “Gilmore Girls.”

Congratulations to Courtney Thorne-Smith, who married her boyfriend Roger Fishman on January 1st. Thorne-Smith currently stars in “According to Jim” but is best known for her roles on “Melrose Place” and “Ally McBeal.”

New Couple Alert: Marilyn Manson and Evan Rachel Wood

New Couple Alert: D.J. AM and Mandy Moore

TV ALERT: “Friday Night Lights” is all new tonight at 8 PM/est on NBC

Congratulations to Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts who all were big winners at the “People’s Choice Awards” on Tuesday.

Happy Birthday shout outs to Larry McReynolds, Pat Benetar (54), George Foreman (58), Rod Stewart (62) and Harry Gant

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

January 9, 2007

Last night Karen and I went to see High School Musical the Concert and it was AMAZING! Basically you’re paying $50 for a Disney infomercial, but that didn’t really bother me, because it was like High School Musical come to life with three small concerts in between.

The opening act, Jordan Pruitt, told the crowd “This one is dedicated to all the teenagers” before she performed her song…“Teenagers.” The only problem was the lack of teenagers at the concert. HSM loyal fan base seemed to be strictly tween and under and the rest were the parents or older sisters who were forced to go along. Although, there were a few high schoolers who went by themselves and felt wrong that they went because they might have been too old…but then there was me and Karen who were definitely too old!

The Concert featured three showcases. The first was preformed by New Jersey native Ashley Tisdale who plays Sharpay in the film. She sang three pure pop songs destined to be Radio Disney hits.

The second showcase was from Corbin Bleu who played Chad in HSM. He will also be featured in a new Disney movie, Jump In premiering on Friday (which was mentioned a couple of times during his showcase). He sang a song off of the Jump In soundtrack as well as “Marchin’” off of his upcoming album. “Marchin’” was amazing, mostly because there was a drumline and he wore a shiny marching band outfit.

The final showcase was by Vanessa Hudgens who played Gabriella in HSM. Apparently, Disney’s putting the big bucks behind her, because she was on tour with the Cheetah Girls this summer and her music is more like the poor man’s JoJo as compared to Ashley’s whose music is the poor man’s Mikala. There was a large shimmery “V” that came up from the stage that added extra flair to her performance and I’ll admit, I’ve heard her music before and I kind of like her single “Baby Come Back.”

When they weren’t having showcases, they were performing songs from the best selling album of the year. They began the show, like they do in the movie with “Start of Something New.” Notably absent was Zac Efrom who plays Troy in the movie because he was filming Hairspray with John Travolta. He was replaced by Drew Neeley, who is actually the musical voice of Troy. All I can say is I’d rather see Drew in High School Musical2 (coming out summer 2007 as related to me constantly throughout the show and on the screens.) than see Zac again! I missed the ending, we left after “Breakin’ Free,” my favorite song on the soundtrack. I’ll admit, I had a lot of fun. It brought me back to my ‘N Sync/Backstreet Boys days. I just hope Justin Timberlake will be as much fun!

(pictures to come)

NASCAR Update:
Think Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s relationship with his stepmother Theresa has gotten extra frosty since her comments last month? According to Junior, they’ve always been like that. Yikes! (foxsports.com)

Tony Raines topped morning speeds at Daytona testing on Monday. The afternoon session was rained out.

Here are the top 10 speeds from Monday’s morning session:

1. Tony Raines (96) 48.920 sec/183.974 MPH
2. Jimmie Johnson (48) 48.948 sec/183.869 MPH
3. Dave Blaney (22) 48.918 sec/183.756 MPH
4. Jamie McMurray (26) 48.992 sec/183.703 MPH
5. Mike McLaughlin (20) 48.993 sec/183.700 MPH6. Jeff Green (66) 48.993 sec/183.700 MPH
7. Ricky Rudd (88) 49.057 sec/183.460 MPH
8. Mike McLaughlin (20) 49.060 sec/183.449 MPH
9. Greg Biffle (16) 49.116 sec/183.240 MPH
10. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (8A) 49.128 sec/183.195 MPH

(For a complete list of times go to foxsports.com/nascar)

Random Quote: "Well, you don't want to stink again. We didn't stink in the past. We were just mediocre, and I think everybody got a taste of success and everybody wants to keep elevating that to the next level. - Kevin Harvick on Richard Childress Racing in 2007 (foxsports.com)

Giants Update:
New England Patriots VP of Player Relations, Scott Pioli turned down an interview with the New York Giants for the vacant General Manger position. The GM spot opened after Ernie Accorsi left the organization at the end of the this season (otherwise known as Monday.)

Around Sports:
Baseball
Hall of Fame inductees will be named on Tuesday with Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken, Jr. considered shoe ins.

In other Hall of Fame news, Paul Laolewski of the Daily Southtown wrote in his column on Monday that he submitted a blank Hall of Fame ballot over questions of steroid use in baseball. (AP)

College Football
The Florida Gators stunned Ohio State on Monday, beating the Buckeyes 41-14 and claiming the BCS Championship title. Florida is the first college to be the reigning NCAA Division I Champions in Football and Basketball.

MLS
Former Duke co-captains, Christian Laettner and Brian Davis lead a group of buyers for DC United. The group paid $33 million to become minority team owners.

Around the World:
Apple will unveil their new gadgets on Tuesday in Las Vegas. Will they release the long awaited iphone? (We’ll forget about the Rokr.)

Sad news…Momfuku Ando, the inventor of instant noodles has died at the age of 96.

A US Submarine collided with a Japanese tanker on Monday in the Arabian Sea. Luckily, there were no reported injuries or major damage to either of the vessels. (AP)

A wildfire has destroyed four mansions in Malibu and is threatening other homes in the area. One of the homes is reportedly owned by Suzanne Somers. The fire is being fueled by Santa Ana winds. Put wildfires as another reason why I won’t be moving to Malibu anytime soon. You know, along with mudslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and outrageous home prices.

An Australian Zoo will be displaying caged humans for a month to raise awareness of primates. The humans will enjoy a diet of bananas and other foods and will be monitored by psychologists in an effort to improve captivity for apes. Gee, I’m so sorry that I wasn’t chosen for this! (Reuters)

Popo in my crib News:
Tiffany Joy Kelley, 28 pleaded guilty to illegal use of communication after she was arrested for mailing 78 pounds of marijuana to herself. She was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in jail on Monday. Watch out Tiffany, because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Sad news…The creator of “Scooby Doo” has died. Iwo Takomoto was an animator who created characters in cartoons like “The Flintstones” and “The Jetsons.” He was 81.

TV ALERT: People’s Choice Awards will air live at 9 PM/est on CBS

Happy Birthday shout outs to A.J. McLean (29), Joey Lauren Adams (39), Dave Matthews (40) and Crystal Gale (56).

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Jaunary 8, 2007

On Friday night, my mom and I went to see Dreamgirls. All I have to say is that’s 2 and a half hours of my life I’ll never get back! I don’t really see what the hype was all about. Yes, Jennifer Hudson is amazing. Honestly, her best parts are when she sings. Her voice is amazing; you cannot slight her on that. But her acting isn’t anything extraordinary. When she sings and gets into diva mode, she’s Oscar worthy, when she is just chatting with the cast, eh. Although, I’ll say the second half of the movie is pretty boring and maybe that’s because you miss Jennifer Hudson’s presence. Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx are amazing in this movie. When Curtis (Foxx) is explaining to Deena (Beyonce) that he chose her to front the group because she had no personality, well that pretty much sums up her performance. I loved that they brought back every black actor they could think of. There was the Urkle (Jaleel White) as the producer of the local talent show, Dawnn Lewis (aka Jaleesa in “Different World) as James “Thunder” Early’s wife and Danny Glover as Marty Madison. Also loved that Jim from “The Office” is in about as long as he’s in “The Holiday.”

NASCAR Update:
Sad news…2004 Craftsman Truck Series Champion, Bobby Hamilton died on Sunday. The 49 year old had been diagnosed with head and neck cancer in February 2006.

Daytona testing begins today with the Nextel Cup Series drivers group A. Speed will air a 30 minute highlight show, “NASCAR Preseason Thunder” while testing is going on.

Giants Update:
It was another heartbreak which summed up the second half of the Giants season on Sunday as Big Blue fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 23-20. The Giants tied up the game with a fourth quarter touchdown drive only to see their chances spoiled with a game winning field goal courtesy of Eagles’ kicker David Ackers. The loss ended an impressive ten year career for Giants RB Tiki Barber and possibly the final game coached by Tom Coughlin.

Amazing play of the game: Jeremy Shockey pushing for extra yards without a helmet. (picture posted below)

Random Quote: “The positives were this team held together…In the long run you have to acknowledge you didn’t win the game.” – Tom Coughlin (The Record)

NFL Playoffs:
Saturday’s Scores
Chiefs 8
Colts 23

Cowboys 20
Seahawks 21

Sunday's Scores
Jets 16
Patriots 37

Giants 20
Eagles 23

Around Sports:
Baseball
The Seattle Mariners have signed former Braves’ relief pitcher Chris Reitsma to a $2.05 million, one year contract. I’d say they over paid!

Football
The Atlanta Falcons have hired Bobby Petrino who had been the head coach at Louisville. He replaces Jim Mora.

Around the World:
If you’re in Manhattan or its surrounding area, do not be alarmed by the strange odor. Apparently, it’s not dangerous! (CNN)

Meanwhile, 10 blocks of downtown Austin were shut down Monday morning after dead birds were found in the area. Emergency workers in protective suits were surveying the area. (CNN)

Did you know that the most requested document from the National Archives is a picture of Richard Nixon and Elvis Presley? Makes sense…Richie’s in the picture! (AP)

Popo in my crib News:
In so why are they still here news…A new report released by the Justice Department shows that illegal immigrants who are arrested and released may be re-arrested as many as six times. Watch out illegals because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Congratulations to Kenny Chesney who sold the third most tickets of any artist in 2006. He was behind only Bon Jovi and Madonna.

Tim McGraw’s latest album Let it Go will be released on March 27, 2007!

Night at the Museum spent its third straight week at # 1 bringing in $24 million followed behind by Pursuit of Happyness with $13 million. In its first week in wide release, Children of Men came in third with $10.3 million. Hilary Swank’s latest, Freedom Writers ($9.7 million) and Dreamgirls ($8.8 million) round out the top five at the box office this weekend.

Happy Birthday shout outs to Gaby Hoffman (25), R.Kelly (40), Wolfgang Puck (58) and David Bowie (60).

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Jeremy Shockey Picture

January 4, 2007

Last night, after watching another great episode of “Friday Night Lights,” (*SPOILERS* how cute was Landry tutoring Riggins and then Riggins coming to Landry’s gig?) I somehow got sucked into watching “Degrassi.” I don’t know which is more depressing, that I watched “Degrassi” or that I had seen both episodes before.

NASCAR Update:
Tony Stewart is prepared. The two time Cup Champion told listeners of his weekly radio show on Sirius that he has $50,000 stashed for any fines he may receive from NASCAR this season. Something tells me $50k is not going to be enough! (foxsports.com)

Frank Kerr was named the crew chief of the #00 Toyota driven by David Reutimann for Michael Waltrip Racing. He replaces Larry Carter who left to join Roush Racing.

Ricky Rudd will drive the #88 at Robert Yates Racing not the rumored #28 he drove while at RYR from 2000-2002.

TNT will air the Pepsi 400 commercial free. I don’t know what’s worse, the incessant commercial breaks or having to listen to Wally Dalenbach for two and a half hours without a break. (jayski.com)

Giants Update:
Jeremy Shockey did not practice on Wednesday but the swelling on his injured left ankle has shown a marked improvement. He is still listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Around Sports:
Baseball
Universal Medical Systems Inc. claims the balls used in Major League Baseball in 1998 were juiced. They claim the balls had a “larger rubberized core and a synthetic rubber ring.” 1998 was MLB’s comeback year after the ugliness that was the 1994 shortened season due in part to the homerun derby turned in by the St. Louis Cardinals Mark Maguire and the Chicago Cubs Sammy Sosa. Both managed to break Roger Maris’ 37 year old homerun record with Maguire besting Sosa with a record 70 homeruns in one season. So maybe it wasn’t the steroids! (AP)

Basketball
The New Jersey Nets traded guard Jeff McInnis and cash to the Charlotte Bobcats for Bernard Robinson.

College Football
Notre Dame lost its ninth straight bowl game on Wednesday, 41-14 to LSU.

Football
Congratulations to the San Diego Chargers LaDainian Thomlinson who was named AP MVP of the Year.

Congratulations to the New York Jets (yuck) Chad Pennington who was named AP Comeback Player of the Year.

IRL
Dario Franchetti will return to Andretti Green Racing in 2007. He’ll join teammates Tony Kanaan, Danica Patrick and Marco Andretti.

A.J. Foyt, IV’s experiment in NASCAR didn’t go as planned. The 22 year old will return to the IRL in 2007 with Vision Racing.

WNBA
The Charlotte Sting, one of the original eight teams in the WNBA has folded only weeks after the Charlotte Bobcats gave up control of the team. The WNBA was unable to find a buyer for the team. (AP)

Around the World:
The first session of the 110th congress ushered in the resurgent Democrats who now own the majority in both the House and the Senate for the first time in 12 years. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is poised to become the first female Speaker of the House.

Toyota outsold DaimlerChrysler to become the no. 3 automaker behind GM and Ford Motor Company.

In a sci-fi geek’s dream news…A metal object fell through the roof of a Freehold, NJ home. The golf ball sized mystery object is being investigated…Meanwhile, pilots at O’Hare Airport in Chicago believe they saw a UFO. Federal officials claim it was an odd weather phenomenon. Maybe that was what dropped the metal object on the house in NJ on its way to Roswell.

Usually it is only old woman who give money to cats but the Bank of Queensland wanted to change that when they admitted they issued a credit card to Messiah, an adorable CAT! Messiah’s owner, Katherine Campbell applied for a second credit card for her cat to check out the Bank’s security system. Apparently, it’s not too good! (AFP)

Random Quote: “We have investigated the issue and it appears the bank made an error.” Bank of Queensland spokeswoman (AFP)

Popo in my crib news:
Jim Lampley was arrested for investigation of domestic violence on Wednesday. The sports announcer allegedly also violated a restraining order. He was released on $35,000 bond. Watch out Jim, because the popo are on your tail!

Celebrity Tid Bits:
The Screen Actors Guild Award nominations were announced this morning. Here are a few highlights:

Motion Pictures:
Cast in a Motion Picture
Babel
Bobby
The Departed
Dreamgirls
Little Miss Sunshine

Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) and Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) were nominated for Best Supporting Actress while their co-stars Alan Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine) and Eddie Murphy (Dreamgirls) were nominated for Best Supporting Actor.

Television:
Cast in a Drama Series
24
Boston Legal
Deadwood
Grey’s Anatomy
The Sopranos

Cast in a Comedy Series
Desperate Housewives (really?)
Entourage
The Office (YEAH!)
Ugly Betty
Weeds

Megan Mullally was nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for “Will & Grace” even though the show was cancelled last year. She’ll go up against America Ferrera (Ugly Betty). Congratulations to Steve Carrell on his Best Actor in a Comedy Series nomination and Chandra Wilson, the only “Grey’s Anatomy” cast member to be individually nominated. She’ll go up against Kyra Sedgwick and Mariska Hargitay in the Best Actress in a Drama Series category.

For a complete list of nominees you can go to sagawards.com

TV ALERT: It may have been cancelled, but FOX is still showing new episodes of “the OC” starting tonight at 9 PM/est

TV ALERT: An all new episode of “Ugly Betty” on ABC at 8 PM/est

TV ALERT: Find out who Michael took on his all inclusive Jamaican vacation on “The Office” at 8:30 PM/est on NBC

The “Megan Mullally Show” has been cancelled only four months after it first premiered.

“Lost” star Emilie de Ravin and her husband of six months Jeff Raymond have split. Well that’s longer than Britney Spears first marriage!

Happy Birthday shout outs to David Foley (44), Michael Stipe (47) and Dyan Cannon (70).

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

January 3, 2007

I’m back! I hope everyone had a great New Years.

So it’s been a couple of days since I’ve updated, so I wanted to include some highlights from the last five days as well as the news of today!

NASCAR Update:
Congratulations to Burney Lamar and supermodel Nikki Taylor, who married on December 27th. This is Lamar’s first marriage and Taylor’s second. She has 11 year old twin boys from her first marriage.

Congratulations to Greg Biffle who finally popped the question to his girlfriend of nine years, Nicole Lunders.


Tony Stewart and Robby Gordon will skip out on Daytona testing this year. Mike McLauglin will test for Stewart and P.J. Jones will test for Gordon.

Ward Burton will drive the #27 Kleenex Ford Fusion for Brewco Motorsports in 20 races in the Busch Series this season.

Around Sports:
Baseball
Barry Zito signed a $126 million, seven year contract with the San Francisco Giants.

According to USA Today, Randy Johnson will be heading back to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Basketball
Michael Jordan and his wife of 17 years, Juanita have announced they are getting divorced. The couple has three children.

College Basketball
Congratulations to Bobby Knight who surpassed Dean Smith and became the all time winningest coach in NCAA Men’s Basketball history.

College Football
Louisville topped Wake Forest 24-13 in the Orange Bowl on Tuesday.

BREAKING NEWS: Miami Dolphins head coach, Nick Saban has chosen to leave the team and become head coach at Alabama.

Football
Congratulations to Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young on being named AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and to Houston Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans on winning the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Golf
Congratulations to Tiger Woods and his wife Elin Nordegren, who is expecting the couple’s first child.

Soccer
Congratulations to Landon Donavon and actress Bianca Kajlich who were married on New Year’s Eve in Santa Barbara, CA.

Separated at Birth:



Around the World:
Sad news…Earthlink President and CEO, Garry Betty died on Tuesday due to complications from cancer. He was only 49.

Home Depot CEO, Bob Nardelli has stepped down. Don’t feel too bad for him, he’ll receive a $210 million severance package.

Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has announced he is taking the first steps in running for President in 2008.

Who said New Yorkers are only focused on themselves? Wesley Autrey, 50, jumped onto the subway tracks when he saw a teen on them. With an approaching train, Autrey dove on top of him in a drainage trough as the train passed above them. Both the teen and Mr. Autrey are fine. (AP)

Owners of 500 waterfront mobile homes in South Florida have the opportunity to become millionaires. With waterfront becoming scarce in the sunshine state, developers are willing to pay one million dollars for each mobile home to acquire land to build “900 low rise multimillion dollar condo units, a high end marina and a 300-room luxury hotel.” But not all of the residents are interested in parting with their homes, “the money is great, but you can’t get another place like this to live,” said retired teacher John Sideris. For a million dollars, I’m sure you can get some great property in North Florida or the panhandle. (AP)

In the 2006 “Bloke Awards” given out by FHM, Australian Prime Minister, John Howard was named the most embarrassing Aussie. For his credit, Howard has been elected to office four times in ten years. (Reuters)

Popo in my Crib News:
In slipping out news…Yuris Sinkivicius, a Lithuanian prisoner in a Norway prison, stripped down and oiled himself with vegetable oil and escaped through the prison bars on Christmas Eve. A fellow Lithuanian prisoner tried to escape through a window but was too large to make it through. Watch out Yuris, because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

A 17 year old former employee of Cheli’s Chili Bar has been arrested in the stabbing death of the restaurant’s manager, Megan Soroka and its cook, Mark Barnard. The restaurant is owned by Detroit Red Wing, Chris Chelios. Watch out 17 year old, because the popo are on your tail!

Scott Swafford decided honesty was the best policy when cops knocked on his door. The 51 year old Athens, TN native told cops he was making meth. A search of his home revealed a glass bottle with a 20 once soda bottle attached, a hot place and ingredients used to make meth. Swafford is currently in jail. Watch out Scott, because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

Random Quote: “You know what’s going on, I’m cooking meth.” -Scott Swafford (AP)

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Congratulations to Will Ferrell and his wife Viveca on the birth of their second child, Mattias on December 30th. He joins big brother Magnus.

Congratulations to Julia Roberts and her hubby, Danny Moder, who are expecting their third child. It will join twins Hazel and Phinnaeus.

Congratulations to Dolly Parton on winning the 2006 Tennessean of the Year given by The Tennessean.

TV ALERT: An all new episode of “Friday Night Lights” is on tonight at 8 PM/est on NBC.

A.C. Slater aka Mario Lopez will host the 2007 Miss America Pageant which will air live on CMT on January 29th.

Finally, I think I might cry, according to bricksandstones.blogspot.com, “the OC” has been cancelled. And it’s so good this year, I mean I love Raylor!

Happy Birthday shout outs to Kimberly Locke (29), Danica McKellar (32), James Marsden (32), Mel Gibson (51) and Victoria Principal (57).

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

January 1, 2007

Happy New Years!!!

Congratulations to the New York Giants who are going to the playoffs!