Welcome Rookies

This weekend was the 2007 NFL draft. With the top pick, the Oakland Raiders chose JaMarcus Russell, a QB from LSU. The New York Giants had a productive day picking up Aaron Ross from Texas with there first round pick.

In other football news, the Raiders traded Randy Moss to the New England Patriots for a fourth round pick. Ouch!

The Braves are having flashbacks of last year's unreliable relief pitching after Bob Wickmanblew another save, his second in three tries as the Braves lost 9-7 to the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. The game saw an unassisted triple play by the Colorado Rockies Troy Tulowitzki, the first since then Atlanta Brave, Rafael Furcal had one in 2003. The Braves head home for a three game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Tim Hudson (3-0) will take the mound against Jon Lieber (1-0). The game starts at 7:05 PM/est on SS.

Braves Notes: Following a tough loss, Ryan Langerhans was notified that he had been traded to the Oakland A's for cash or a player to be named later. Langerhans hit a double in his final start with the Braves on Sunday.

The St. Louis Cardinals' Sunday game against the Chicago Cubs was postponed after Cardinals' relief picther Josh Hancock was killed in an auto accident Sunday morning. He was only 29. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Josh's family, friends, teammates and fans.

Jeff Gordon is on fire. After claiming his first ever pole at Talladega, Gordon finished the race in where he started, first. This was Gordon's second straight win and more importantly, his 77th win, surpassing the late Dale Earnhardt on what would have been his 56th birthday. The race was relatively calm, well by Talladega standards, but a late race caution led to a three lap shout out (or overdrive as Fox has coined it). Gordon and crew barely got to race when Elliott Sadler and Greg Biffle got into each other ending the race on lap 190. Tony Stewart, Jamie McMurray and David Gilliland also managed to crash into each other at about the same time.
Aaron's 499 Race Results

Jeff Gordon continues to lead the stadings, with Jeff Burton now 203 points back. In the top 12, the players remain the same, although Jamie McMurray was able to move up five spots while his Roush Fenway teammate, Carl Edwards dropped four positions. Nextel Cup Stadings

Kyle Busch had a scary crash during the Aaron's 312 on Saturday. In the end, Bobby Labonte proved his still has it passing Tony Stewart on the last lap.
Aaron's 312 Race Results

A piece of the freeway interchange that leads traffic onto and off of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge collapsed on Sunday after a gasoline tanker truck overturned and caught on fire. Luckily the driver was able to escape the accident with only second degree burns. The road collapse is expected to wreck havoc for thousands of drviers in the area. (abcnews)

Tonight on TV, catch an all new "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS at 8PM/est.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

When you're a Brave, you're a Brave for life

While the Braves had the night off yesterday, there was some big news coming out of Atlanta. John Smoltz signed an extension that could take him into 2010, ensuring Smoltz will finish out his career as a Brave. Smoltz will receive a guarenteed $14 million but the contract could be worth as much as $39 million if he stays through 2010. One thing is for sure, Smoltzie will be pitching at least one more year for the Bravos!

Random Quote: "I'm the most blessed man in the world. To have had the opportunity to have played all my career in one city and for pretty much just one manager, I just couldn't have asked for more." - John Smoltz

The Braves return to play tonight against the Colorado Rockies. Chuck James (2-2) will take the mound, coming off two shakey starts. James and the entire Braves team are hoping to get back on track. The game starts 9:05 PM/est on TBS.

Restrictor plate racing is back and in full force this weekend as the Busch and Cup cars head to Talladega. Known for its high speeds and close quarters racing, drivers know that at Talladega "the Big One" could be just a turn away. Catch the Aaron's 499 on FOX with coverage beginning at 1:30 PM/est.

During the Busch Series' first practice on Thursday, NASCAR deemed the speeds to high as many teams broke the track record. NASCAR forced teams to switch restrictor plates for final practice. But, that didn't bother Mike Bliss, as he led Busch Series Happy Hour. Catch the Aaron's 312 on ABC at 2:30 PM/est.

In other racing news, this weekend the IRL will see three woman drivers in the race, as Milka Duno will join series regulars Sarah Fisher and Danica Patrick at Kansas Speedway. This will be Duno's first start in the series. Watch the live racing on ESPN2 at 4:30 PM/est.

Scary news for Sandra Bullock and Jesse James. A duranged fan tried to run James over with her Mercedes three or four times on Sunday. Bullock and James' 10 year old son, Jesse, Jr. both witnessed the accident. Marcia Valentine was arrested a day later, when police recognized her car. James is said to be doing fine. Watch out Marcia, because the popo are on your tail!

Separated at Birth
How good was last night's episode of "October Road?" I'll admit, I really like this series, and I think the writing is getting better. Even though it still has its very cheesy moments, I'm hoping it get's picked up for a second season.




Don't forget to catch an all new episode of "Brothers & Sisters" on ABC at 10 PM/est on Sunday.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Rain Out

Last night I was supposed to go to the New York Yankees v. Toronto Blue Jays game up in the bronx. Well, I went to the bronx, but the Yankees game was rained out! A make-up game has not been scheduled. If you had tickets to the game click here for the rain out policy.

I wasn't the only one disappointed last night. The Atlanta Braves went into last nights game against the Marlins knowing they had the opportunity to capitalize on the Mets 11-5 loss to the Colorado Rockies suffered earlier in the day. Through eight and a half innings, the Braves held the Marlins scoreless and added three solo homeruns (Chipper Jones, Kelly Johnson and Matt Diaz) to a superb performance by Tim Hudson. Hudson had a career high 12 strike outs during the game. But in the ninth, the wheels fell off. Hudson allowed three consecutive singles and was adventually charged with 3 runs. It was a wild pitch by Bob Wickman that allowed the Fish to bring in the winning run as the Braves fell 4-3 and remain a half game behind the New York Mets in the NL East. This also marked the first series loss of the season for the Braves. The Bravos enjoy a day off today.

Former Brave, Adam LaRoche, who was traded during the off season, was the unlikely hero in the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 win over the Houston Astros in extra innings last night. LaRoche, who was hitting just .092 going into the game and was 0-18 at PNC Bank Park, hit the game winning single in the 16th inning that scored Jack Wilson.

Are we seeing a return of the good old Tony Stewart? Following the race in Texas, a frustrated Stewart spoke of retirement. (Wouldn't we all love to retire at 35?) Then he left Phoenix without talking to the media. Now comes word that he has compared the current NASCAR racing to wrestling saying NASCAR officials are throwing bogus debris cautions to alter the outcome of races. I hope he doesn't start pushing reporters again!

In other NASCAR news, Juan Pablo Montoya was fined and put on probation after making an obscene gesture on live television during Speed's coverage of Nextel Cup practice. Montoya said he did not know that there was a live feed when he made the gesture. Seriously, why can't Speed get fined for this? They put the cameras in there in the first place. If NASCAR is going to fine the drivers for acting like drivers, then take the cameras out. Or put everything on delay. I know that it was only practice, but I feel that drivers should concentrate on doing what it takes to win and not have to worry about what they are saying or doing. In other sports, when they have mikes on the players, they listen for funny/interesting quotes and they air them. They don't do live feeds. Maybe NASCAR broadcasters should learn from stick and ball broadcasters. Well actually, since Fox, ESPN and TNT air stick and ball sports, maybe they should learn from their other broadcasts.

Last night American Idol gave back in more ways than one. The show featured performances by past Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, Rascal Flatts, and others. In a show of compation, Idol spared all six remaining contestants from elimination. And don't forget to head over to itunes to download an exclusive version of Carrie Underwood singing "I'll Stand By You," which was heard in a video montage of Underwood's trip to South Africa during the show. All proceeds will go to charity.

Also announced yesterday, Rosie O'Donnell will be leaving "The View" and Vanessa Manillo will be leaving "TRL." I can barely hold back the tears.

Don't forget to watch all new episodes of ABC's "Ugly Betty" at 8 PM/est, "Grey's Anatomy" at 9 PM/est and "October Road" at 10 PM/est. On NBC, the cast of "The Office" have to deal with an obscene water mark at 8:30 PM/est.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Happy Birthday Jones Boys

Let's start out with Birthday Shout outs to the Jones boys, Chipper's Birthday is today and Andruw's was yesterday. Can you believe it was Andruw's 30th birthday?

Unfortunately for Andruw, the Braves were unable to rally big for a win in last night's game against the Florida Marlins, as the Braves fell 8-7. They are now a half game behind the Mets in the NL East but are one game ahead of the San Diego Padres for the Wild Card spot. The Braves continue their series with the Marlins tonight as Mark Redman (0-3) takes the mound against Rick Vanden Hurk (0-1) at 7:05 on TBS.

I wanted to give shout outs to Kelly Johnson for his amazing performance on Sunday, knocking two homers including the game winnner against the New York Mets.

Also this weekend, Jeff Gordon won his 76th Nextel Cup Race tying him with the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr. on the all-time wins list. Gordon is still behind the all-time race winner, Richard Petty who has 200 wins. Gordon's teammates, Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson finished in the top ten, while a disappointed Denny Hamlin finshed third after a late race pit road speeding penalty. Race Results

Random Quote: "I asked if they were serious. Evidently, they were." -Denny Hamlin on his pit road penalty

By winning, Gordon opened up a 76 point lead over second place Jeff Burton. There was little change in the top 12 as David Stremme fell out of the Chase and Kevin Harvick advanced 3 places to move into 11th. Kasey Kahne and Casey Mears remain in the top 35, but just barely. Nextel Cup Standings

Last night on TV, CBS aired a repeat of "How I Met Your Mother." Usually, I get all upset when they throw in a repeat when I thought it was going to be a new episode, but they aired maybe the best episode of "HIMYM" ever, it's simply called Slap Bet and features an amazing Canadian artist by the name of Robin Sparkles. If you missed it, or want to relive it again check out this.

Tonight, don't forget to catch an all new episode of "Gilmore Girls" at 8 PM/est on the CW.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Hokie Hope Day

The Governor of Virginia, Tom Kaine, proclaimed today Hokie Hope Day in Virginia and requested the day be honored from coast to coast.

In other news, Mark Redman had his best outting in a Braves uniform, unfortunately, he did not get any run support and fell to 0-3 as the Atlanta Braves lost 3-0 to the Chicago Cubs. Going into this weekend's series with the New York Mets, the Braves are 1/2 game behind them in the race for the NL East. A seemingly unhittable Tim Hudson will take the mound for the Braves going up against Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey's only start this season was on April 13th against the Washington Nationals, drawing a no decision. The action starts tonight at 7:00 PM/est on TBS around the country and SNY for those in the New York area, like me. (I'm so pissed I'm missing the TBS eXtra game again!)

NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series held qualifying last night in Phoenix. Points leader Jeff Gordon will start on point for the second week in a row. He'll be joined on the front row by a surging Jamie McMurray. Once again, Jeremy Mayfield, Michael Waltrip, Brian Vickers and A.J. Allmendinger lead the list of cars going home. Coverage for the Subway Fresh 500 gets underway at 8PM/est on FOX. Don't miss live Busch Series racing tonight on ESPN2 at 9 PM/est.

Tony Stewart has been looking pretty slim, which is quite a difference from the fat jokes he's used to hearing about his former growing belly. Stewart will hold a press conference today from Phoenix International Raceway to discuss his impressive 20 pound weight loss and 15% reduction in body fat. Stewart, who has partnered with Subway resturants, is helping to launch the new Subway Fresh Fit menu for adults and kids. (Jayski)

New in theaters this weekend, Adam Brody leaves LA and finds himself In the Land of Women, while Anthony Hopkins goes head to head with Ryan Gosling in the thriller Fracture and Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale star in the horror movie Vacancy.

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

Tomahawk Chop

So much Braves news today, I had to start out with them. The Braves came back in late innings off of a Kelly Johnson single in the seventh to beat the Chicago Cubs 8-6. The Braves complete a short homestand tonight at 7:35 on TBS.

Also, Bobby Cox signed a one year contract extension which will take him through the 2008 season...Mike Gonzalez will have an MRI on his elbow after complaining of soreness...Willy Aybar has been suspended indefinitely by the Braves after failing to show up to the Braves home game against the Cubs.

Congrats to White Sox left hander Mark Buehrle on throwing a no-hitter last night in the Sox 6-0 win over the Texas Rangers.

Somewhere, my brother was freaking out last night, as the New York Rangers swept the Atlanta Thrashers and will be moving onto the second round of the playoffs.

Separated at Birth

In a show of support for the victims of the Virginia Tech shooting, NASCAR will allow teams to place a VT logo on their cars for the next three weeks including races at Phoenix this weekend, Talladega next weekend and Richmond the weekend of May 4-5. In addition, the Craftsman Truck Series will be able to put the logo on their trucks at Kansas next weekend.

Tonight is an awsome night for TV. We've got all new episodes of "Ugly Betty" at 8 PM/est on ABC, "Grey's Atanomy" at 9PM/est on ABC and "October Road" is back at 10 PM/est on ABC.

Finally, in American Idol news, Sanjaya was finally voted off. But he will still be seen on the finalist tour, so get your tickets today!

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Separated at Birth

I haven't done this in a while, but I was on people.com and I couldn't resist.

Jackie

I wanted to start out today by mentioning the tragedy that hit the Virginia Tech campus yesterday. My thoughts and prays go out to the families and friends of all the victims.

In NASCAR news, Jeff Gordon led early but it was a different Jeff take took the checkered flag. Gordon dominated the beginning part of the Samsung 500 from Texas Motor Speedway only to relinquish his lead to Dale Earnhardt, Jr. But Junior's hopes of a second win at Texas were rear ended by Kyle Busch after Tony Stewart spun out in front of the 8 car. In the end, Jeff Burton was able to pass Matt Kenseth on the final lap, to become the first repeat winner in the Lone Star State.
Race Results

Shout outs to Jamie McMurray for his top five finish. Also to David Stremme on his first career top ten finish and to Brian Vickers for his top fifteen finish. It seems when Vickers actually makes the races, he lets his presence be known.

Jeff Gordon may led the standings, but he's only 6 points ahead of Jeff Burton. Jimmie Johnson slides one spot while teammate Kyle Busch drops two spots after both left the race early with damage. Meanwhile Carl Edwards moves up one spot and Jamie McMurray moves up two spots after sold Texas finishes.
Nextel Cup Standings

Chuck James only gave up three runs in the third inning, but it was more than enough to bring down the Atlanta Braves, as they lost 5-1 to the Washington Nationals. I guess the Nationals aren't as bad as previously thought? The Braves continue their series at Washington with John Smoltz on the mound. The game kicks off at 7:35 PM/est on SS.

Congratulations to Tim Hudson who picked up NL Player of the Week honors.

Photo courtesy of AP

Let's not forget that Sunday was the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier. In honor of this historic event, MLB made Sunday, April 15, 2007, Jackie Robinson Day. After a suggestion by the Cincinnati Reds' Ken Griffey, Jr. five entire major league teams (including the Los Angeles Dodgers) doned the famed #42, which was retired in 1997. All totaled, more than 200 players wore the #42 including Andruw Jones and Dontrelle Willis during the Braves game against the Florida Marlins on Sunday. Jackie will be remembered for his his talent and speed on the field but more importantly for his courage and strength off the field.

Finally, Gilmore Girls is all new tonight. It's been like two months since a new episode has aired and I've been going through withdrawl. This week, Taylor has some bizzare obsession with hay and Rory brings Logan to Stars Hollow. It all starts at 8 PM/est on the CW.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Black Cats

First off, I wanted to mention the Governor of New Jersey, Jon Corzine was involved in a car accident last night on the Garden State Parkway. He was on his way to a meeting between Don Imus and the Rutgers Women's Basketball Team. He will adventually be ok, but he does have broken ribs, broken leg... but no brain damage. Currently, Senate President Richard Cody is serving as acting governor. He also served this role when Jim McGreevey stepped down. (When will Cody run for governor? That would probably be the first time I've ever voted for a democrat) I wish Governor the best, and I didn't even vote for him and probably will not vote for him in the 2009 election!

In other news, the Atlanta Braves snapped a four game winning streak after losing to the Washington Nationals 2-0, in a brillant pitching battle between John Smoltz and Jason Bergmann. The Braves take on the Florida Marlins tonight at 7:35 on TBS. Dontrell Willis will go up against Mark Redman.

NASCAR is back after a brief Easter break and they're in deep in the heart of Texas. This will be a big race for a lot of guys on the cusp of losing their guaranteed starting spot like last year's winner, Kasey Kahne. Coverage starts on Sunday at 1:30 PM/est on Fox. Catch the Busch Race Saturaday at 2:30 PM/est on ESPN2.

Finally, new in theaters this week is Shia LaBeouf's latest effort Distrubia which follows the troubled Kale, who is sentenced to house arrest and becomes obsessed with a neighbor who might just be a killer. Also in theaters Richard Gere's The Hoax and Halle Berry's Perfect Stranger.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

This just in

Both CNN and TV Guide are reporting that the heavens (or NBC execs) are shining on the freshman series, "Friday Night Lights." The best show on TV has received a six episode pick-up. Not the full second season pick-up I was hoping for, but it does show that NBC believes in it. Well, kind of! Don't forget to watch "Friday Night Lights" at 8 PM/est on NBC tonight!

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

It just keeps getting worse

Poor Michael Waltrip. Besides actually making it into the Daytona 500, this season has been absolutely horrible. He has yet to move out of -27 points and his other team drivers, Dale Jarrett and David Reutimann have been less than stellar this season. Now comes word that Waltrip was involved in an auto accident over the weekend and failed to report it. If anyone needed a vacation it would be Mikey!

In other NASCAR news, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. continues to fight for majority ownership of DEI. In my opinion, it is a battle he should continue. If his dad was still alive, he would have turned over the keys to the garagemahal when he felt Junior was ready.

Also, Kurt Busch's crew crief Roy McCauley has taken a leave of absence from the team to be with his wife, Amy who is battling cancer. Troy Raker was named interim crew chief.

Congrats to the Atlanta Braves who beat the Washington Nationals 8-0. Tim Hudson had another stellar start. Jeff Francouer and Andruw Jones both went deep. Chuck James will face Jerome Williams tonight at 7:35 on FSN.

Finally, tonight is the season finale of "Friday Night Lights." As Kyle Chandler (Coach Eric Taylor) says, there are two people in this world, those who love "FNL" and those who haven't seen it. If you're one of those who hasn't seen it, tonight's your chance. You can catch up, by heading over to nbc.com to watch past episodes for FREE or you can download episodes at itunes for $1.99.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Good news/bad new

Good news: The Braves are 5-1 with the best record in baseball. They are also starting a three game series against the Washington Nationals. (First game tonight at 7:35 on TBS)

Bad News: Mike Hampton is officially out! Leaving Lance Cormier, Kyle Davies and Mark Redman to duke it out for the final two roster spots.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Scholars Night

On Wednesday, I headed over to Citizens Bank Park to watch the Braves beat the Phillies, 3-2 in 11 innings. Did I tell you Scott Thorman is my hero? Way to make my birthday even more amazing. Well it was college night and dollar hot dog night. A recipe for diaster. There were hot dogs being thrown everywhere, including at a guy in an Eli Manning jersey. (Not smart buddy) I heard a bunch of good quotes that I wanted to share with you:
1. "F**k Michael Jordan, you're the real 23 Matt Diaz!"
2. "Put down your purse and play some ball you pansy" (aimed at Pat Burrell)
3. "Drive down Broad Street until you see a g*d damn stadium" (guy on the phone giving directions)
4. "You have to give him a few inches, it's the Geary rule." (Named in honor of Ge-off)
5. "It's a night for the scholars."

Since Wednesday, the Braves have gone 3-1, including two come from behind wins to beat the Mets on Saturday and Sunday! Go Braves!

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Undefeated

I can't even explain how busy I am. It's a whole new world, actually working at work! haha Anyway, I did want to give shout outs to Edgar Renteria, who really pulled through with his two homers yesterday in the Atlanta Braves opening day win over the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 (10). I'm excited about our season. We've shored up the relief pitching. Although Gonzalez really scared the crap out of me, yesterday, but he pulled through. There will continue to be growing pains, i.e. Scott Thorman, Kelly Johnson, etc...but I belive in the Braves. They can't let me down again!!

Tomorrow is my birthday. Yeah me, I'm turing the big 2-4. I'm getting so old. To celebrate, I'm driving down with a few friends and family (who I basically begged) to Philadelphia to watch the Braves game. Tim Hudson will be pitching against Cole Hammels, so it should be a good game. I need everyone to cross their fingers, toes...because it's supposed to well, you know. I can't even write it. I know it will be cloudy and cool, perfect baseball weather, once you bring along some extra packets of swiss miss. And it's dollar hot dog night! And they are giving out free t-shirts. So if you're in the area come on by! Citizens Bank Park is always a good time.

Also, it was very exciting race on Sunday in Martinsville. I would have liked to have seen Dale Jr. win or at least Gordon take out himself and Jimmie Johnson on the last lap, but alas, we had to settle for another Johnson win. race results

What's up with Jamie McMurray? He's totally getting out of his funk. He's currenlty 12th in points, which would put him in the chase, and he picked up another top 10 on Sunday. Congrats to the whole 26 team, they really seem to be turning the corner.

Not doing so well, anyone named Casey/Kasey. Both are bringing up the rear in 34th and 33rd respectively. There was so much hype for these guys, but so far they haven't really been delivering. But Elliott Sadler has really been doing somewhat well. Apparenlty, they can only have one good team at Evernham.

Cup Standings

Oh yeah, and the Florida Gators won yesterday becoming the first team to win two straight since my beloved Dukies did it in 91 and 92. Does anyone know what Bobby Hurley's up to? I kind of lost track after the whole car accident during his rookie season.


I will not be able to blog for the rest of the week. My home computer is currently dying so, I'm just praying it can hold on long enough for me to move my itunes library.

Don't forget to watch "Friday Night Lights" on Wednesday at 8 PM/est on NBC. The season finale of "October Road" airs on Thursday at 10 PM/est after "Grey's Anatomy." "The Office" is finally back from weeks of re-runs and it's supersized. Check that out on Thursday at 8 PM/est on NBC. I think that's about it on the TV notes.

Have a good Easter/Passover!

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate