February 7, 2007

Braves Update:
Sad news…Milwaukee Braves pitcher Lou Burdette died at the age of 80. Burdette was the MVP of the 1957 World Series, the Milwaukee Braves only World Series win. (AP)

NASCAR Update:
Jerry Nadeau, who was injured in a vicious practice crash at Richmond three years ago, longs to get one more try at NASCAR, although he acknowledges that may be a long shot. (AP)

NASCAR has no future plans of creating a pension fund for former drivers. For now it’s up to the drivers to save for the future or Tony Stewart to continue to dish out cash to former stars and up-and-comers. Stewart has quietly been helping out his fellow competitors including Red Farmer, a member of the Alabama Gang. (foxsports.com)

The Daytona 500 purse has increased almost $3 million since last year. The winner will get $1,443,250 and the runner up will collect at least $1,041,525. Even the last place finisher will pick up at least $226,295. Not bad for a days work. (usatoday.com)

Giants Update:
More than 500,000 tickets have been requested for the New York Giants game against the Miami Dolphins in London this year. Wembley is expecting to hold about 85,000-90,000 for the game. Looks like a success! (AP)

Around Sports:
Basketball
The Boston Celtics dropped their 15th straight after they lost to the Detroit Pistons 112-109 on Tuesday. Even worse news for the Celtics, star Paul Pierce is in a Boston area hospital with an infection in his elbow.

The Chicago Bulls fined Tyrus Thomas $10,000 after Thomas said the only reason he wanted to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest was for the money. Well, at least he was being honest. (AP)

College Basketball
This is a little old but, Duke retired J.J. Redick’s #4 on Sunday, the same day the Dukies lost to Florida State. A coincidence, I think not! What is Redick doing these days anyway? (espn.com)

TV ALERT: # 5 UNC at #16 Duke live on ESPN @ 9 PM/est. Let’s go Blue Devils!

Around the World:
It’s been very cold in the Northeast, Midwest, well almost everywhere. D.J. Brown must have not gotten the memo. Brown wanted to continue his family’s tradition of walking barefoot outside during halftime of the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, the minus 17 degree temperature in Buffalo, MN gave him quite a surprise. After being outside for only five minutes, the teen developed second degree frost bite. Next time, buck tradition and put on some shoes! (AP)

When I was in school I always tried to figure out ways to convince the powers that be to start school later than 7:50 AM, but I was never very successful at it. Well, a new study by researchers at Northwestern University discovered that children are more susceptible to becoming overweight when they do not get enough sleep. It seems children who are overly tired are more hungry and a decrease in hormones make it harder for them to become full. Now that I have finished school, I finally find the answer. Sucks how things work out, huh? (usatoday.com)

Popo in my crib News:
Three Indiana Pacers are being investigated for their involvement in a late night bar fight with the manager of the bar. Jamaal Tinsley, Marquis Daniels and Keith McCloud went to 8 Seconds Saloon following a loss to the Golden State Warriors. Watch out Jamaal, Marquis and Keith, because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

Former British rocker Gary Glitter had his three year sentence reduced by three months due to the Lunar New Year prison amnesty. Glitter is in a Vietnamese jail after being convicted of molesting two Vietnamese girls. He’ll now be released in August 2008. Watch out Gary, because the popo are on your tail! (AP)

A Japanese man was arrested after he stole a popo car because he was too tired to walk. Oh my goodness…isn’t that like what taxis are for? Watch out tired guy, because the popo are on your tail! (Reuters)

Celebrity Tid Bits:
TV ALERT: An all new “FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS” on NBC @ 8 PM/est

Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire will tape an all new “CMT Crossroads” in Nashville on February 22nd.

Toby Keith’s new album will be released on June 12th. It will include his single “High Maintenance Woman.”

BREAK-UP ALERT: “Married…with Children” star David Faustino and his wife of three years Andrea Elmer Faustino announced their divorce. (people.com)

Congratulations to Dave Matthews and his wife Ashley Harper. The couple is expecting their third child this year. They have five year old twin girls, Grace Anne and Stella Busina.

Happy Birthday Shout outs to Tina Majorino (22), Ashton Kutcher (29), Chris Rock (42), Garth Brooks (45), James Spader (47) and Miguel Ferrer (52).

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate