October 6, 2006

Watching yesterday’s Mets/Dodgers game made me realize how much I hate Tommy Glavine when he’s in a Mets jersey. Seriously Tommy, stop, we get it, you were upset with JS and the whole contract negotiations thing. JS says he’s sorry; now get your ass out of New York and come back home to Atlanta…PLEASE!

In theaters today:
The Departed
Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
Employee of the Month Is it wrong that I kind of want to see it?
The Queen
THe Shortbus

Braves Rewind:

Braves pitching MVP:

John Smoltz
Like there was anyone else that would fit that label any better? Smoltzie is the exemplification of what a team leader is. He gets the team fired up when he’s on the mound and he also seems to bare the weight of the Braves on his should when he pitches. Unfortunately, he only plays once every five days. He lead the team in ERA with 3.49, strike outs with 211, innings pitched with 232 and led the Braves while tying for the NL lead in wins with 16. If you include all of the blown saves in the beginning of the year he’d be the only 20 game winner in the Majors. Like the rest of the team in July, Smoltz was literally unbeatable going 4-0 with a 3.00 ERA, by far his best month of the season. Smoltz will turn 40 next year, but he’s playing like a guy in his early 30s, right in his prime!

MLB Playoffs:

American League Divisional Series

Minnesota Twins v. Oakland Athletics
Game 3:
First pitch: 4:05 PM/Est @ McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA
Scheduled Pitchers:
Twins: Brad Radke (12-9; 4.32 ERA in the regular season)
A’s: Dan Harden (14-13; 4.12 ERA in the regular season)

Next Game if needed:
10/7 @ McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA

A’s lead series 2-0

New York Yankees v. Detroit Tigers
Game 2 recap:
Detroit 4 8 0
Yankees 3 8 1
W: Jamie Walker (1-0)
L: Mike Mussina (0-1)
S: Todd Jones (1)

Game 3
First Pitch: 8 PM/Est @ Comerica Park in Detroit, MI
Scheduled Pitchers:
Yankees: Randy Johnson (17-11; 5.00 ERA in regular season)
Tigers: Kenny Rogers (17-8; 3.84 ERA in regular season)

Next Game:
10/7 @ 4PM/est @ Comerica Park in Detroit, MI

Series tied 1-1

National League Divisional Series

San Diego Padres v. St. Louis Cardinals
Game 2 Recap:
Cardinals 2 10 0
Padres 0 4 0
W: Jeff Weaver (1-0)
L: David Wells (0-1)
S: Adam Wainwright (1)

Game 3:
First pitch: 10/7 @ 1PM @ Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO
Scheduled Starters:
Padres: Chris Young (11-5; 3.46 ERA in regular season)
Cardinals: Jeff Suppan (12-7; 4.12 ERA in regular season)

Next Game if needed:
10/8 @ Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO

Cardinals lead series 2-0

New York Mets v. Los Angeles Dodgers
Game 2 Recap
Dodgers 1 5 1
Mets 4 7 0
W: Tom Glavine (1-0)
L: Hong-Chih Kuo (0-1) S: Billy Wagner (2)

Game 3
First Pitch: 10/7 @ 7:35 PM/Est @ Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA
Scheduled Pitchers:
Mets: Steve Tachsel (15-8; 4.97 ERA in regular season)
Dodgers: Greg Maddux (15-14; 4.20 ERA in regular season)

Next Game if needed:
10/8 @ Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA

Mets lead series 2-0

Playoff Notes: Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman, Nomar Garciaparra left Thursday night’s game against the New York Mets with an injured quadriceps. His status for game 3 is unknown… New York Mets’ pitcher, Orlando Hernandez will miss the remainder of the post season with a torn calf muscle…Oakland A’s second baseman Mark Ellis will miss the remainder of the postseason with a broken finger sustained in Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins. Oakland currently leads the series 2-0.

NASCAR Update:
For the fourth round of the Chase for the Nextel Cup, we head to Alabama. Talladega is one of only two tracks where NASCAR regularly runs a restrictor plate which creates three wide racing in tight packs. The big one is lurking right around the corner. Since April, the track has been resurfaced leading to mixed reviews from drivers. Even though it is thought that Sunday’s race might be a relatively calm affair, all you need is one blown tire and half the field could be taken out. For that reason Talladega remains the major wild card in the chase.

Racing Schedule
Qualifying: Noon on Saturday SPEED
UAW-Ford 400: 1:30 PM on Sunday NBC

This weekend will be the first time the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will race at Talladega. It airs live on SPEED at 2:30 PM/Est.

According to nascar.com, Mark Martin will run a limited schedule for MB2 Motorsports in the #01 in the Nextel Cup Series next year. Regan Smith will split time in the seat with Mark. Martin is currently driving for Roush Racing. What’s happening to Joe Nemecheck who normally races in the #01? Say it ain’t so Joe!

Gee, I wonder if the Juan Pablo Montoya talk will ever end. As of now, I doubt it! The former F1 star qualified second for the ARCA race at Talladega on Friday.

Giants Update:
Lavar Arrington will take on his former team, the Redskins on Sunday. Arrington has been criticized for his lack of effectiveness, but let’s be honest; when your team averages 27 points a game but is 1-2 there’s a problem and it’s not because of one person. Maybe it’s the 30 points a game opponents are averaging against the Giants? The Giants are hoping for a win this weekend to move to 2-2 on the season.

Giants v. Redskins @ 1 PM/Est on FOX.

Around Sports:
Football:
Florida State’s year just keeps getting worse. The #17 ranked Seminoles lost to NC State 24-20 on Thursday. Florida State is now 3-2.

Colt’s defensive tackle, Corey Simon will miss the remainder of the season. He was placed on the “non-football illness-injury list.” The actual condition has not been released. Simon is a former Pro-Bowler. (via foxsports.com)

In oh, so wrong news…Terrell Owens is planning on writing children’s books. Themes include, inappropriate touchdown celebrations, how to OD without dying, how to hold a press conference in your driveway, and my favorite, how to be a complete ass with two different teams and still score $45 million from the Cowboys!

Basketball:
Pacers’ player Stephen Jackson had quite a night on Thursday. Seems Jackson was hit in the mouth, then hit by a car and at some point fired a gun. No surprise here, it all happened outside of a strip club. Apparently, the Pacers were having some sort of team building exercise as Jamaal Tinsley, Marquis Daniels, and Jimmie Hunter were all present. Whatever happened to going on a booze cruise like on The Office…oops, just remembered the Vikings booze cruise last year, so maybe not the best idea.

Random Quote: “I feel like I can, why not play. I can’t hurt my spleen again.” –Chris Simms on whether he’ll play again this season. (via si.com)

Around the World:
All those years of hearing just say no, and then a study finds that pot smoking could stop the progression of Alzheimer’s. Maybe Nancy Reagan should have been preaching, just say yes!

No more Popo in my Crib News:
Two former popo in my crib stars, Greg Anderson and Brett Meyers apparently have out run the popo…this time. Barry Bond’s former trainer, Anderson was ordered to be released from jail after a judge realized that the federal appeals court “had not affirmed his contempt order within the required 30 days.” (foxsports.com) Anderson had been in jail for refusing to testify…Meanwhile, the charges against Phillie pitcher Brett Meyers have been dropped by his wife. Meyers had hit his wife on the streets of Boston during a Red Sox/Phillies series in June.

Celebrity Tid Bits:
In creepy news…Keisha Castle-Hughes, star of 2002’s Whale Rider is expecting her first baby with boyfriend Bradley Hull. Keisha is only 16 and has been dating Bradley for three years. Good luck with that Keisha!

In something I would do myself news...Yves Saint Laurent fell on a Paris Street on Thursday, one day after his collection was shown on the Paris runway. The 71 fashion designer is expected to be ok after taking a nasty fall. Don't worry Yves, I do this all the time.

Eva Longoria slipped on the stairs leaving her trailer on the Desperate Housewives set. The actress bruised her ribs but is expected to not miss work. What a trooper.

The Wreckers’ new video “My, oh my” debuted on Top Twenty Countdown on CMT Thursday. The duo scored their first number one country hit with “Leave the Pieces.” Their album, Stand Still, Look Pretty is currently in stores!

According to Watch with Kristen, NBC’s Heroes is the first freshman show of the 2006-2007 season to be picked up for a full season. I’d imagine that ABC’s Ugly Betty will be the second after 16.8 million viewers tuned in last week.

NBC has its first casualty of the young 2006-07 season, Kidnapped. The show stars Kim Delany and Timmothy Hutton. The show premiered to a small audience of 7.8 million and has gone down hill ever since. The series will shut down after it shoots its 13th episode. NBC is said to be committed to airing all 13 episodes before it takes it off the air.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Clueless’ Jeremy Sisto (32), Power Ranger, Amy Jo Johnson (36) and Adventures in Babysitting star Elisabeth Shue (43). On Sunday, NASCAR Cup Champion, Bill Elliott celebrates a birthday!

It’s been fun blogging with you,

Kate

October 5, 2006

I’m so amazed that I currently do not have any broken bones. My mom and I are getting the house ready for the arrival of my Aunt Maryanne and her son, Jules. So Jules is two and very wily, as most 2 years old are, so we are putting away anything that he can break, or could break him. My mom had the bright idea of putting everything up in the attic, but the attic light was not working. We also discovered that all of our flashlights needed new bulbs, and I thought candles in a completely wooded area would not be a smart move, so I had to put all of the breakables upstairs, praying that I wouldn’t trip over anything and break one of these precious items, or myself. Actually, I was more nervous about breaking myself than the lamps. I’m being honest here! Luckily, nothing broke, and tonight I continue this dangerous act. Pray for me. Haha

Braves Rewind:

Today, we congratulate who I believe to be the Braves non-pitching MVP:

Andruw Jones
Andruw lead the team with 41 homers and 129 RBIs while playing in 156 games this season. He also had a .995 fielding percentage, .001 off of his career high of .996 in 2000. Jones really heated up as the season wore on, ending the month of September with 9 homers and 22 RBIs. Even with trade talks swirling around in July, Andruw never took his focus off the field. He was even selected to the 2006 All-Star team with teammates Brian McCann and Edgar Renteria. While this might not have been a MVP season in the NL, he continues to carry the Braves team and proves himself to be the Braves MVP.

Honorable mention:

Jeff Francoeur
Frenchy was the Braves Iron Man this season playing in all 162 regular season games with 29 homeruns and 103 RBIs and a .260 batting average. Francoeur is becoming the man you want to be in the batters box with two out and trailing by one or two runs in the ninth inning after hitting a game winning grand slam in May. In only his first full season with the Braves, he’s making quite a name for himself.


Chipper Jones
Chipper had another injury plagued season with foot and oblique problems. CJ played in one game more than last season’s career low 109 games. When Chipper was around he let his presence be known. He tied a major league record by hitting an extra base hit in 14 consecutive games. He even picked up Player of the Week honors for June 26- July 5 when he was hitting an unheard of .500! He ended the season with 26 homers and 86 RBIs and a .324 batting average, over 20 points above his career average of .304.

Tomorrow is the final day of rewind, where I crown my Braves pitching MVP!

MLB Playoffs:

American League Divisional Series

Minnesota Twins v. Oakland Athletics
Game 2 recap
Oakland 5 11 0
Minnesota 2 9 0
W: Kiko Calero (1-0)
L: Pat Neschek (0-1)
S: Hudson Street (2)

Game 3
First Pitch: 10/6 @ McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA
Scheduled Pitchers
A’s: Dan Harden (14-3; 4.12 ERA in the Regular Season)
Twins: Brad Radke (12-9; 4.32 ERA in the Regular Season)

A’s lead series 2-0

New York Yankees v. Detroit Tigers
Game 2 recap
PPD
First Pitch: 1 PM/Est @ Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY
Scheduled Pitchers:
Tigers: Justin Verlander (17-9; 3.63 ERA in the Regular Season)
Yankees: Mike Mussina (15-7; 3.51 ERA in the Regular Season)

Next game:
10/6 @ Comerica Park (Detroit, MI)

Yankees lead series 1-0

National League Divisional Series

San Diego Padres v. St. Louis Cardinals
Game 2:
First pitch: 3 PM/Est at Petco Park in San Diego, CA
Scheduled Starters:
Cardinals: Jeff Weaver (8-14; 5.76 ERA in the Regular Season)
Padres: David Wells (3-5; 4.42 ERA in the Regular Season)

Next game:
10/7 @ Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO

Cardinals lead series 1-0

New York Mets v. Los Angeles Dodgers
Game 1 recap:
Dodgers 5 11 1
Mets 6 9 1
W: Guillermo Mota (1-0)
L: Brad Penny (0-1)
S: Billy Wagner (1)

Game 2:
First Pitch: 8 PM/Est @ Shea Stadium in Queens, NY
Scheduled Pitchers:
Mets: Tom Glavine (15-7; 3.82 ERA in the Regular Season)
Dodgers: Hong-Chih Kuo (1-5; 4.22 ERA in the Regular Season)

Next Game:
10/7 @ Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles, CA)

Mets lead series 1-0

Playoff Notes: Oakland A’s second baseman, Mark Ellis broke his finger during a ninth inning at bat during the A’s 5-2 win over the Minnesota Twins last night. Ellis’ status will be evaluated today…Mets starting pitcher, Oliver Perez will take Orlando Hernandez’s roster spot, while the starting pitcher is out for at least the Divisional Series with a calf muscle tear.

NASCAR Update:
Jon Wood and Ken Schrader will share seat time in 2007 in the #21 car. Jon will also drive the #47 in the Busch Series full time. Wood is apart of the famous Wood Brothers clan.

Giants Update:
Gerris Wilkerson will make his first NFL start on Sunday in place of an injured Carlos Emmons who will miss at least Sunday’s game against the Redskins with an injured pectoral muscle.

Around Sports:
Baseball:
While Joe Girardi and Dusty Baker are looking for jobs for next season, Phil Garner knows his home will still be in Houston with the Astros. After a crazy season, where the Astros spent the beginning of the season hoping Roger Clemens would come back, the Astros barely missed the playoffs. Astros GM, Tim Purpura gave Garner a one year contract extension.

Football:
Former Giant, Dave Meggett was forced to resign as Robersonville, NC’s parks and recreation director after being charged for raping a former girlfriend.

Hockey:
The NHL began their 2006-2007 season last night. If the season begins and nobody watched it, did it really begin?

IRL:
The IRL continued to test its new fuel and engine package at Indianapolis. The IRL will switch over to ethanol fuel, which is made from corn, a major crop staple in the Midwest where the series is headquartered. This test included 2004 IRL Champion, Tony Kanaan as well as Jeff Simmons. The series already tested this package at Daytona and plans to do one more test before it goes into effect for the 2007 season.

Random Quote: "Carl was not the sharpest knife in the box." - A's manager Ken Macha on former player Carl Pavano via si.com

Popo in my Crib News:
Koren Robinson, the wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers was sentenced to 90 days in jail for violating probation after his DUI arrest. Robinson’s sentence was suspended until the end of the Packers season, so basically he’ll be in jail by Monday. Koren watch out, because the popo are on your tail!

Baltimore Raven kick returner, BJ Sams was charged with his second DUI in the past 14 months. This could turn into a four game suspension or some personal days spent in jail. Watch out BJ, because the popo are on your tail!

In oops I did it again news…Susan Marshall of Arkansas showed up to her DUI hearing drunk. This is her fifth DUI charge in the past year and her third in the past month. Marshall was lucid enough to claim that she did not drive to her court appearance, good move; showing up drunk to a court appearance, bad move. Watch out Susan, because the popo are on your tail!

Celebrity Tid Bits:
In how will we ever survive news…Brody Jenner and Nicole Richie have broken things off. Although, Richie stated on her myspace page that the two were never officially a couple because her “heart wasn’t in it.” Good to know.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Giants former back up quarterback, Jesse Palmer, Kate Winslet, Guy Pearce and Michael Andretti.

It’s been fun blogging with you,

Kate

October 4, 2006

Lots of news so let’s get to it…

Premiering tonight:
9-10
Lost (ABC)
10-11
The Nine (ABC)

Braves Rewind:

Nothing was more exciting for Braves fans than the 7 game win streak the Braves went on in the beginning of July. At the time the Braves knew that they needed to win before they could even think of making the playoffs. After a June where the Braves went 6-22, they turned it around during July. But for those 7 games the Braves swept the San Diego Padres, the eventual NL West Champions, and almost swept the St. Louis Cardinals. They also beat the Cincinnati Reds, who at the time were leading the Wild Card race. The Braves outscored their opponents 77-32. In all, July was a hot month for them they were 14-9.

Braves News:
After firing Joe Girardi, the Florida Marlins have hired Atlanta Braves' third base coach Fredi Gonalez. Fredi, wish you the best, and hopefully you won't have a problem with the crazy loon of an owner, Jeffrey Loria, that Girardi had!

With Fredi leaving for the Marlins, Brain Sniker will take over being the third base coach. Also Eddie Perez will become the Bullpen coach and Chion Cahahia will be the new bench coach. Bobby Dews and Pat Corrales will not be back next year as coaches for the Braves.

MLB Playoffs:
American League Divisional Series

Minnesota Twins v. Oakland A’s
Game 1 recap:
Athletics 3 7 0
Twins 2 5 2
W: Barry Zito (1-0)
L: Johan Santana (0-1)
S: Street (1)

Game 2
First pitch 1:09PM/Est (Metrodome)
Scheduled Starters:
Twins: Boof Bonser (7-6 4.22 ERA in the Regular Season)
Atheltics: Esteban Loaria (11-9 4.89 ERA in the Regular Season)
Athletics lead series 1-0

Next Game:
10/6 @ 4PM at McAfee Coliseum (Oakland)

New York Yankees v. Detroit Tigers
Game 1 recap
Detroit 4 11 1
Yankees 8 14 0
W: Chien-Ming Wang (1-0)
L: Nate Robinson (0-1)

Game 2:
First pitch: 8:19PM/est (Yankee Stadium)
Scheduled Pitchers:
Yankees: Mike Mussina (15-7 3.51 ERA in the Regular Season)
Tigers: Justin Verlander (17-9 3.63 ERA in the Regular Season)
Yankees lead the series 1-0

Next Game:
10/6 @ 8PM/est at Comerica Park (Detroit)

National League Divisional Series

San Diego Padres v. St. Louis Cardinals
Game 1 recap:
Cardinals 5 12 0
Padres 1 6 0
W: Chris Carpenter (1-0)
L: Jake Peavy (0-1)

Game 2:
10/5 @ 4PM (Petco Park)
Scheduled Pitchers:
Padres: David Wells (3-5 4.42 ERA in the Regular Season)
Cardinals: Jeff Weaver (8-14 5.76 ERA in the Regular Season)
Cardinals lead the series 1-0

New York Mets v. Los Angles Dodgers
Game 1:
First Pitch: 4:09PM/Est (Shea Stadium)
Scheduled Pitchers:
Mets: John Maine (6-5 3.60 ERA in the Regular Season)
Dodgers: Brad Lowe (16-8 3.63 ERA in the Regular Season)
Series tied (0-0)

Next game:
10/5 @ 8PM/Est at Shea Stadium

Playoff notes: New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez will miss the Divisional Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers with a tear in his right calf muscle…Derek Jeter went 5 for 5 with a solo homerun in the New York Yankees win over the Detroit Tigers…Where would the Oakland A’s be without Frank Thomas? Losing the seires 0-1 after a 2-1 loss to the Twins, that’s where. The Big Hurt hit two solo homeruns in the A’s win over the Twins.

NASCAR Update:
Scott Wimmer and Morgan McClure Motorsports have parted ways effective immediately. Wimmer will be replaced by Todd Bodine in the #4 car.

Mike Bliss will replace Kevin Lepage in the #49 Bam Racing Dodge.

Random Quote: “I was really, really proud of it 'cause I was nervous, you know, that we were just trying to get something out real fast to counter the 3 movie that ESPN did, because a lot of my family felt that wasn't a very good dictation of his life. But this is really good. I'm really proud of it.” –Dale Earnhardt, Jr. on the new Dale Earnhardt movie made with CMT. (via foxsports.com)

Giants Update:
The Moss Bowl will be a little one sided this weekend when the Giants take on the Redskins at home. Once again, rookie Sinorice Moss will not play but his brother Santana will be a major focus of the Giants’ defense. The Giants enter the game 1-2, the bottom of the NFC East while the Redskins are 2-2.

Separated at Birth:


Around Sports:
Baseball:
More managerial firings were announce today bringing the total to five…for now. Buck Showalter was fired from the Texas Rangers after four seasons with the team and Frank Robinson was also fired from the Washington Nationals who came in dead last in the NL East this season.

Around the World:
Have you ever wanted to see a nuclear plant? Well here’s your chance. Just jet over to Iran, where President Mahmoud Anmadinjad ordered all nuclear plants to be opened to foreign tourists so they can see that the plants are being used in a peaceful manor. If the tourist cannot tell that then they don’t get that the machine guns are just there for the ambience.

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Congratulations go out to Maggie Gyllenhaal and her finance Peter Sarsgaard. According to justjared.com, Maggie gave birth to a healthy baby girl on Tuesday. They named her Ramona.

Congratulations also go out to Tori Spelling and her husband Dean McDermott. The two are expecting their first child together. Dean already has children with his ex-wife, whom he was married to when he met Tori, then dumped said wife for said 90210 star. Gee Dean, if you were expecting a big pay day from this marriage, it’s not looking too good!

Congratulations to Trace Adkins whose album Songs About Me was just certified double platinum for sales of over 2 million copies.

Looks like Stephen from Laguna Beach has a new girlfriend. The boy in season one’s love triangle has reportedly started dating Heroes star Hayden Panettiere. At least she’s a legitimate actress unlike say, Kristen Cavalleri. Go team LC!

Sad news today, Frances Bergen, mother of Murphy Brown star, Candice Bergen has died at the age of 84 after a long undisclosed illness.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Rachel Leigh Cook (27), Alicia Silverstone (30), Russell Simmons (49), Susan Sarandon (60), and Charlton Heston (82).

It’s been fun blogging with you,

Kate

October 3, 2006

This morning was one of the longest commutes in history. On the train I learned that once again Amtrak had screwed up the tracks leading into Penn Station, and that there were no trains going into or out of Penn. Fine, I’ll just go to Hoboken and take the Path up to 33rd I thought. Well, we just sat outside of the Secaucus transfer station because there was additional volume going into Hoboken. Then I had to stand a packed Path train forever and finally I got into the city and onto an N train that was so kindly just sitting in the 34th street station. It was like it was waiting for me. In the end I only was about 10 minutes late for work. I hope this is all fixed by the time I go home tonight!

Premiering Tonight:
6-7 PM
Everwood (ABC Family) ok, it actually premiered yesterday but I forgot to put it up here. The good news is that it will be on every weekday! The bad news, they’ll be repeats, damn you Dawn. Runaway, like you really thought that would be a hit?
8-9 PM
Friday Night Lights (NBC)
9-10 PM
Veronica Mars (the CW)

Braves Rewind:

Today we celebrate the breakout stars of 2006!


Brain McCann (C)
Brian McCann really made some noise last year when he joined the ranks of the Atlanta Braves midseason, but 2006 was a true All-Star year for him. He led the team with a .333 batting average which would have ranked him third behind Miguel Cabrera in the National League if he would have had enough plate appearances. He also raked up 23 homers and 93 RBIs. McCann missed the end of May and part of June with a sprained ankle. During that time, you could really tell what a team leader this 22 year old is. McCann also made his first appearance at the All-Star game in July in Pittsburgh, but something tells me that will definitely not be his last!


Adam LaRoche (1B)
Who knew the kid had it in him. The 3rd year player started off the year slowly, trading time at first base with Brian Jordan, but once Jordan went down with a broken collar bone, LaRoche was able to show the Braves what he was made of. There were fewer players in the league hotter than Adam after the All-Star break. In April he was batting .200 with only 4 homeruns and 12 RBIs. In July his average shot up to .341 and in August he was batting .375. He amassed 14 homeruns and 40 RBIs in just those two months. LaRoche cooled down a little bit in September but he still finished up the season batting .285 with 32 homeruns and 90 RBIs. Adam has proved that he is an everyday player.

Chuck James (P)
Chuck James made his Major League debut as a starter in June going 8 innings and allowing only 2 hits and 1 run against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. This was just a preview of what this 24 year old would do the rest of the season. He finished the season 11-4 with a 3.78 ERA in 25 games. Compare that to Cole Hamels, the Philadelphia Phillies rising star, who ended the season 9-8 with a 4.08 ERA in 23 games. I’d take Chuck James any day!

MLB Playoffs:
American League Divisional Series

New York Yankees v. Detroit Tigers
Game 1
First Pitch: 8:09 PM/EST on Fox (Yankee Stadium)
Scheduled Starters:
Yankees: Chien-Ming Wang (19-6 3.34 ERA in the Regular Season)
Tigers: Nate Robertson (13-13 3.84 ERA in the Regular Season)
Series Tied (0-0)
Next Game:
10/4 @ 8:09 PM/EST on Fox (Yankee Stadium)

Minnesota Twins v. Oakland Athletics
Game 1
First Pitch: 1:09PM/EST on ESPN (Hubert Humphrey Metrodome)
Scheduled Starters:
Twins: Johan Santana (19-6 2.77 ERA in the Regular Season)
A’s: Barry Zito (16-10 3.83 ERA in the Regular Season)
Series tied (0-0)
Next Game:
10/4 @1:09 PM/EST on ESPN (Metrodome)

National League Divisional Series

San Diego Padres v. St. Louis Cardinals
Game 1
First Pitch: 4:09PM on ESPN (Petco Park)
Scheduled Pitchers:
Padres: Jake Peavy (11-14 4.09 ERA in the Regular Season)
Cardinals: Chris Carpenter (15-8 3.09 ERA in the Regular Season)
Series Tied (0-0)
Next Game:
10/5 @ 4:09 PM/EST on ESPN (Petco Park)

New York Mets v. Los Angeles Dodgers
Day off
Series Tied (0-0)
Next Game:
10/4 @ 4:09 PM/EST (Shea Stadium)

NASCAR Update:
The Busch Series is increasing its international affair next season with an added race in Montreal at the Circuit Gilles Villenueve road course on August 4th. The Busch Series will also be paired with the Nextel Cup Series in 26 of the 35 races next year. Could NASCAR make it any easier for Cup drivers to invade the series? Seriously, it's already Cup Lite this year, how about restricting the number of races Cup drivers are allowed to enter so we don't get stuck with more crappy drivers who enter Cup because a spot is open, not because they are ready. (Currently picturing David Stremme and J.J. Yeley as I think about this.)

Congratulations to Matt Kenseth who will make his 250th career Cup start at Talladega this weekend.

Joe Nemecheck will run that #46 Chevy Silverado for Morgan-Dollar Motorsports in the Craftsman Truck Series’ first race at Talladega this weekend. Joe is a full time Nextel Cup Series driver for MB2 Motorsports in the #01 Army Chevy.

Giants Update:
Giants RB, Tiki and his twin brother Rande Barber made a $1 million donation to the University of Virginia. The twins are members of the class of 1997. $500,000 will be split by the Athletics Department, the School of Commerce where the twins received their degrees, the UVA Children’s Hospital, the Young Alumni Council, and a scholarship fund. The other money will be used as matching gifts to encourage young alumni to donate. That means you Ben Mackenzie (of the OC)!

Around Sports:
Basketball:
An investment group that includes Christian Laettner and his former Duke teammate Brian Davis has reached an agreement to buy 70 percent of the Memphis Grizzlies. The team's current majority owner is billioniare, Michael Heisley. Laettner was in his final two seasons at Duke University when the school won back to back NCAA titles in 91 and 92. (foxsports.com)

Baseball:
Major League Baseball's regular season ended on Sunday and it already had its first two managerial casualties. As of Monday, Dusty Baker formerly of the Chicago Cubs and Felipe Alou who replaed Baker for the San Francisco Giants were fired. Today, it was also announced the Joe Girardi will not be back as the manager of the Florida Marlins next year, even though he is thought to be a top candidate for NL Manager of the Year.

Football:
It was hard for me to decide where exactly to put this because in any other arena this would be assault, but since no charges have been filed, I’ll put it in the sports news section. Tennessee Titan, Albert Haynesworth drew a five game suspension, the longest in NFL history for an on-field incident, after stomping on Cowboys’ center Andre Gurode on Sunday. Watch out Albert, because the NFL is on your tail!

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Congratulations to Jennie Garth and her husband Peter Facinelli. The couple welcomed their third child on Saturday. Fiona Eve joins big sisters Luca Bella (9) and Lola Ray (3). Garth starred in the 90s teen drama, Beverly Hills, 90210 and Facinelli was in the movie Can’t Hardly Wait.

Martina McBride and Keith Urban have been added to the list of performers for the 2006 CMAs.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Erik Von Detton (24), Kevin Richardson (35) and Clive Owen (42).

It’s been fun blogging with you,

Kate

October 2, 2006

This weekend, a bunch of us celebrated Christa’s birthday in the Boken and then moved onto the city. It was great to see everyone again, but I’m still recovering from the 2 ½ hours of sleep I got Saturday night.



Premiering Tonight:
9PM
The Bachelor: Rome (ABC)
House of Carters (E!)

Braves Update:
The Braves finished off their season in a way they haven’t done since 1995, with a win. They also were able to knock the Houston Astros out of the playoff picture, much like those Texas boys did to the Braves last year, with a 3-1 win. John Smoltz went six scoreless innings picking up his 16th win of the season. Bob Wickman also picked up his final save of the season. Jeff Francoeur homered in the second inning bringing his homerun total to 29, one off of having a 30 hr/100+ RBI season! Chipper Jones also picked up an RBI in the win. The Braves go home knowing that while this season didn’t go according to plan, there is always next year!

Final Record (79-83)
Games behind .500: 4
Games behind Los Angeles Dodgers: 9
Games behind New York Mets: 18

Braves notes: This week I will be taking a look back on the 2006 season with Braves highlights, declaring who I think were the Braves MVPs for pitchers and non-pitchers, looking at players who had a break out season.

MLB Playoffs:
The Minnesota Twins were able to surpass the Detroit Tigers in the final weekend of the regular season and pick up the AL Central Crown. The St. Louis Cardinals (NL Central) and San Diego Padres (NL West) also clinched their divisions on Sunday.

American League Divisional Series:

New York Yankees v. Detroit Tigers
First game: October 3, 2006
Place: Yankee Stadium (Bronx, NY)
Time: 8:19PM/EST
Station: FOX

Minnesota Twins v. Oakland Athletics
First Game: October 3, 2006
Place: Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (Minneapolis, MN)
Time: 1:09PM/EST
Station: ESPN

National League Divisional Series

New York Mets v. Los Angeles Dodgers
First Game: October 4, 2006
Place: Shea Stadium (Queens, NY)
Time: 4:09PM/EST
Station: ESPN

San Diego Padres v. St. Louis Cardinals
First Game: October 3, 2006
Place: Petco Park (San Diego, CA)
Time: 4:09PM/EST
Station: ESPN

NASCAR Update:
Tony Stewart crossed the finish line, well more like coasted across the finish line, to pick up the checkers for the Banquet 400 at Kansas Speedway. The 20 car ran out of gas on the final lap. Luckily, they had a 17 second lead on the second place car, Casey Mears, who also ran out of gas on the final lap. Dale Jarrett came in fourth place, picking up his first top five of the season. Mark Martin lead all Chasers with a third place finish, and the Chase leader, Jeff Burton came in fifth. The other Jeff in the Chase, Jeff Gordon, finished 39th with a broken fuel pump. Kasey Kahne finished 33rd after running out of gas in the final laps to effectively take him out of contention for the Championship.

Standings after the Banquet 400
Chase for the Nextel Cup
1. Jeff Burton Leader
2. Denny Hamlin -69
3. Mark Martin -70
4. Matt Kenseth -84
5. Kevin Harvick -96
6. Jeff Gordon -120
7. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. -123
8. Jimmie Johnson -165
9. Kyle Busch -233
10. Kasey Kahne -273
Race for 11th Place (Points behind 11th)
11. Tony Stewart –
12. Grey Biffle -270
13. Carl Edwards -272
14. Kurt Busch -540
15. Casey Mears -540
16. Clint Bowyer -591
17. Ryan Newman -650
18. Brian Vickers -670
19. Elliot Sadler -770
20. Jamie McMurray -775
New Jersey’s Finest
21. Martin Truex, Jr. -809

Random Quote: "I got to see the checkered flag for a really long time for once." – Tony Stewart (via si.com)

Around Sports:
Baseball:
Congratulations go out to all of the season ending leaders!

Batting Title
Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins picked up his first batting title. The 23 year old became the first American League catcher to win that honor. Freddy Sanchez of the Pittsburgh Pirates picked up the NL title with a .344 average.

Homeruns/RBIs
Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies was the homerun king this year. Not only did he win the homerun derby in July, but he also led the league with 58 bombs this season. David Ortiz, of the Boston Red Sox led the AL with 54. The two also led their respective divisions with 149 (Howard) and 137 (Ortiz) RBIs.

Stolen Bases
Jose Reyes of the New York Mets led the majors with 64 stolen bases, while Carl Crawford of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays lead the AL with 58 bags stolen.

Wins
Johan Santana of the Minnesota Twins led the majors with 19 wins. New York Yankees pitcher, Chien-Ming Wang also had 19 wins. In the NL, seven pitchers tied with 16 wins. They are John Smoltz of the Atlanta Braves, Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Derek Lowe and Brad Penny of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Carlos Zambrano of the Chicago Cubs and Aaron Harang of the Cincinnati Reds.

Saves
Finally, San Diego Padre, Trevor Hoffman came in one save behind the Majors leader, Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim closer, Francisco Rodriguez who had 47 saves. Hoffman, with 46 saves led the NL.
(For more end of the year stats, visit si.com where I got most of these stats.)

College Football:
In oh crap news…A laptop that contained Auburn’s offensive strategies was stolen. The number 2 team in the nation was staying in a hotel in Columbia, SC for their game against South Carolina. Lucky for Auburn, the perp was caught on video tape stealing the laptop from the offensive meeting room. Auburn was still able to defeat the Gamecocks, by a 24-17 margin.

Football:
Last Friday, I made a recommendation for Giants fans everywhere to watch the Jets game. Well, after watching the game, I almost had to eat my words. The Colts barely beat the Jets with a 31-28 win. I guess losing in the closing minute of the game is enough of a heartbreaker for Jets fans everywhere that it made me smile a bit. I think the Colts are very happy to not have to see E. Rutherford, NJ for a while.

Around the World:
Congratulations go out to Andrew Fire and Craig Mello who won the Noble Prize in physiology or medicine. The two Americans discovered a way to “turn off the effect of specific genes.” Both winners will receive a $1.4 million check at the December 10th awards dinner in Sweden.
(via cnn.com)

I rarely get to post breaking news, since I only post once a day, but here I go. In the past few months there have been a rash of school shootings, but none might be as shocking as the one that took place at a one room amish school today. At this time it appears six people are dead including the gunman. The school is located in Nickel Mines, PA. (Details are still coming in so, by the time you read this more information might be known.)

Popo in my Crib News:
George Michael was arrested last night on drug related charges. The 43 year old pop singer was also given a warning following a traffic accident. Watch out George, because the popo are on your tail!

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Ashton Kutcher was king of the box office this weekend as his animated movie, Open Season, came in first with $23 million and his live action film, The Guardian, came in second with $17.7 million. Last week’s box office topper, Jackass: Number Two came in third with $14 million followed by School for Scoundrels with $9.1 million (I can just see Jon Heder now, “I’m an idiot.”) and Fearless with $4.7 million.

Isaac Hanson married his long time girlfriend, Nicole Dufresne over the weekend in Oklahoma. Isaac is the final member of the 90s pop band, Hanson, to get married. This kind of surprised me because I thought that he would have to get married in Massachusetts for his wedding to be legal, or at least in San Francisco, where he would have been supported. Who knew?

Desperate Housewives star, Eva Longoria has split from boyfriend and San Antonio Spurs guard, Tony Parker. Reports claim the two are still trying to work it out. Let me guess, the 31 year old Longoria wants to get married and the 24 year old Parker is not ready to give up his basketball groupies.

Looks like ABC has another hit on its hands. Ugly Betty just barely came in second in its time slot on Thursday bringing in 16.3 million viewers compared to CBS’ Survivor which brought in 16.8 million. Ugly Betty is an English language version of a popular Spanish language telenovela starring America Ferrerra.

*Possible Grey’s Anatomy SPOILER*
Looks like McSteamy will be sticking around Grey’s Anatomy, as the actor who plays him, Eric Dane has signed on to be a series regular.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Tiffany (35) and Kelly Ripa (36).

It’s been fun blogging with you,

Kate

September 29, 2006

So far, my morning is going pretty well. I didn’t fall, which is always an accomplishment, I found out Pedro will miss the playoffs (more in the around sports section) and I’m enjoying my new favorite thing, a french toast bagel from Starbucks. I know it sounds gross, but I dare you to try it. (Tip: add butter to it, it really puts it over the top, oh and skip the cream cheese unless you like cream cheese on your french toast.)

Premiering tonight:
Nothing new is premiering tonight, but Celebrity Duets will air its season finale at 8PM on fox.

New in Theaters:
The Guardian
Open Season
School for Scoundrels
The Queen
The Last King of Scotland

Braves Update:
Brian McCann tried to help out his struggling teammate, but instead got himself thrown out of the game. Mac had a calm conversation with home plate umpire, West about a called ball during the third inning. West didn’t think it was so calm and tossed him, oh and Bobby Cox for good measure. It was Kyle Davies inability to throw strikes, or maybe West’s inability to call them, that lead to the Braves 7-4 loss to the Mets. With this loss, the Braves will be unable to get to .500 for the first time since 1990. The Braves enter their final series of the 2006 season against the Houston Astros tonight. Roger Clemens takes the mound in what could be the final start of his career against Braves young ace, Chuck James at 7:05 on TS/ESPN.

Games to .500: 5
Games behind Los Angeles Dodgers: 8
Games behind New York Mets: 17

NASCAR Update:
For the third race in the Chase for the Nextel Cup, the cup guys head over to Kansas for the Banquet 400. Kansas is a 1.5 mile flat track similar to its sister track, Chicagoland. Look for Jeff Gordon who has the best average finish of all the chasers at 6.0, to be good as well as Kasey Kahne who has 5 wins this season, most at tracks similar to Kansas.

Qualifying: Friday at 4:30PM on Speed
Banquet 400: Sunday at 1:30PM on NBC

NASCAR Notes:Mike Bliss is suing Haas Racing for $1.5 million claiming that he believed he would be in the Haas car in 2006 and did not peruse other options. The $1.5 is based off of his 2006 ($500,000) and 2007 ($650,000) salaries as well as the extra money he wanted to use to buy that beach house his wife has been nagging him about getting. Seriously, with your stellar 2005 performance, why Mike, did you think you’d be in that car for two more years? And like Gene Haas really needs another reason to be in court…isn’t he on trial for tax fraud?

Congratulations to Terry Labonte. The two time Cup Champion will be making his 1000th start in the Cup Series at Kansas this weekend.

Giants Update:
The Giants have the weekend off and I’m pretty sure Jeremy Shockey and Coach Coughlin will not be spending it at the spa getting mani/pedis and manfacials, but I’m just guessing.
Next week the Giants will be at home playing against the Redskins, but this off weekend they can take comfort that unlike the Texans (0-3), Titans (0-3), Chiefs (0-2), Raiders (0-2), Browns (0-3), Lions (0-3) and Buccaneers (0-3) they have at least won a game. Hey, even the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers are 1-2. Then again, Gang Green is 2-1, but they are so getting their asses smoked by the Colts this weekend. Gee, if the manfacials don’t work for you guys, watching the Jets lose could be fun!

Around Sports:
Baseball:
The Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals, 2-1, moving them into a tie with the Detroit Tigers for first in the AL Central and one game behind the New York Yankees, for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Twins received a game tying homerun from hometown hero, Joe Mauer. Jason Bartlett’s single in the 10th inning drove in Justin Morneau sealing the win for the Twins.

Seems the Mets will be without three time Cy Young Award winner, Pedro Martinez in the playoffs. Pedro tore a tendon in his left calf muscle, the opposite leg that placed him on the DL earlier this month.

The St. Louis Cardinals are really slumping. How bad, they lost their 8th game in the past nine to the Brewers. The once locked in NL Central champs are looking at a half game lead over the Houston Astros. Who said all the excitement happened in the playoffs, sometimes just making it is the exciting part.

In other playoff bound news, the Dodgers hold a two game lead over the Phillies after the Phils lost 3-1 to the Nationals and Dodgers won 19-11 over the Rockies last night. The Phillies are choosing a really bad time to choke!

Celebrity Tid Bits:
If you are going to be in the New York City area anytime soon you might want to check out "subUrbia." It's a 2006 update of this 1994 play. I guess the real reason I would go is because Gaby Hoffman's in it. You may remember her from Now and Then. That was like the movie in middle school. Anyway, the play is about three friends who hang outside of a convience store. (this sounds kind of like Clerks...) The show is playing at the Second Stage Theater on W. 43rd St. Tickets are $66.50. For more information go to secondstagetheater.com.

Congratulations go out to Amanda Peet. She will marry long time boyfriend, David Benioff this weekend. The Studio 60 star and Troy screenwriter are also expecting a baby sometime in early spring.

Jimmy Wayne will deliver his new single, “That’s all I’ll Ever Know,” to radio on October 9th. Wayne’s hits include “Stay Gone.”

Jewel will help co-host the new season of Nashville Star, the country version of American Idol, shown on the USA network. Beside Buddy Jewel, I couldn’t name one other winner of the talent contest. I mean, Miranda Lambert was on the first season, but she didn’t win. Hmm…so hard…

Happy birthday wishes go out to Bryant Gumbel who turns 58 today. I actually met Bryant on the Today Show when I was five and had to test new toys for Christmas. Brian and I walked up to Bryant Gumbel and Jane Pauly and complained that we were supposed to drive the motorized car but everyone else was driving it. We were promptly shooed away, but it’s something I will always cherish!

Special birthday wishes go out to my friend Christa who turns 24 today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Random Quote: "The couple ceremony was not formal and is "not legally binding," Scott tells the AP. " Anna Nicole Smith's wedding to her lawyer, Howard K. Stern (via people.com)

It’s been fun blogging with you,

Kate

September 28, 2006

Last night, Rachel, Christa and I made it a socialite kind of night. We headed over to the Cole Haan store at the Shops at Columbus Circle to help raise money for the School of American Ballet. Well, really I went there for the 15% discount, oh and some of the money did go to SAB. So I feel really good about buying those cute Mary Janes. We also got to see a 15 minute ballet performance. After this event, I realized, I was not cut out to be a socialite. So much pressure. What should I wear? Who am I allowed to talk to? How can I be photographed the most? The event was hosted by Town & Country Magazine, so look out for pictures in an upcoming issue.

Premiering tonight:
8-9PM
Smallville (the CW)
Ugly Betty (ABC) Must watch pick
9-10PM
Supernatural (the CW)

Braves Update:
The hits just kept on coming for the Braves as the beat the Mets 13-1. Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann hit back to back homers in the third and Frenchy and Scott Thorman hit back to back homers in the sixth. Chipper Jones also homered in the game. Chip has only played in 106 games and he’s amassed 25 homers and 83 RBIs, not bad at all! Most players would take that as their full year stats. Hudson allowed only one run in six innings pitched and even picked up a RBI. The Braves finish up their series with Kyle Davies on the mound tonight at 7:35 on TBS.

Games to .500: 4
Games behind Los Angeles Dodgers: 7
Games behind New York Mets: 16

Braves notes: Jeff Francoeur tailed his 100th RBI of the season last night…Andruw Jones says that he wants to stay in Atlanta. Cross your fingers on that one, he’s got one hell of an ass as an agent.

Random Quote: “It’s always fun to beat the Mets.” –Jeff Francoeur via atlantabraves.com

NASCAR Update:
Ricky Ren, crew chief of Johnny Benson’s #23 Toyota in the Craftsman Truck Series was fined $1000 due to a fuel cell violation. Benson is currently second in points, only 91 behind Todd Bodine.

The Busch Series could see a new sponsor name in 2008. The current contract with Busch expires after the 2007 season. Rumors have it going to Monster Energy Drink which is also owned by Anheuser-Busch.

Juan Pablo Montoya will make his stock car racing debut for Chip Ganassi Racing on October 6th at Talladega in the ARCA/Remax series.

Giants Update:
Linebacker Chris Emmons is expected to miss at least three weeks with a strained and partially torn left pectoral muscle.

Strange Headlines:
Here at popoinmycrib.com, we’re always looking to add interesting features. Today we begin strange headlines, where we insert possible quotes, without ever actually reading the articles, because that would ruin it! Tell me what you think!

Fla. Teen Flies to Live with Mom in Cuba (abcnews.com)
-Teen: No, I will not tell you how to spell Elian Gonzalez…because that’s not my name!
-Teen: Take that President Bush, you’re “gifts” were so lame. I don’t need lifetime passes to Disney World, I’m 16! Anyway, they promised me good seats at the state sanctioned baseball games!

Drunk Toddler: Points Finger at Teen Brother (abcnews.com)
-Toddler: Obliviously it was not me; I’m too young to buy alcohol
-Toddler: Also, I so can’t figure out how to undo those child proof locks my parents put on all the cabinets.

Squirrel Jumps Boy in Park, Rabies suspected (cnn.com)
-Squirrel: No, I don’t have rabies, I was super hungry and the kid was carrying peanuts. You know the honey roasted ones, those are so good.

Around Sports:
Baseball:
The St. Louis Cardinals ended their seven game losing streak last night winning 4-2 over the San Diego Padres. After Houston’s extra innings win over the Pirates, the Cardinals hold a game and a half lead in the Central. The Padres are one up on the Los Angeles Dodgers, after their loss.

Football:
In Oscoda, Michigan High School Football season is over. The small northern Michigan town has not only gone 0-4, they haven’t even scored a point. The School District upheld a ruling canceling the rest of the season citing risk of injury to the players. Of course players and parents are unhappy with the ruling, but it’s only a matter of time until one of these players goes all Chris Simms and ruptures a spleen.

Popo in my Crib News:
Chicago Bear, Ricky Manning, Jr., plead no contest to a felony assault charge from an April 23rd incident involving himself and two former UCLA players, Tyler Ebell and Maurice Drew. The three were accused of kicking a man at a Denny’s Restaurant. I’m pretty sure that’s not what he meant when he ordered a grand slam. Watch out Ricky, because the popo are on your tail!

Jeff Timmons, former member of 98 Degrees was sentenced to probation stemming from an April 2006 reckless driving and refusal to sign a citation charge. Timmons was also ordered to undergo alcohol treatment as well as do 50 hours of community service. Watch out Jeff, because the popo are on your tail!

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Charlie Sheen is looking to get a hefty pay raise. The Two and a Half men star will reportedly make $350,000 an episode making him the highest paid sitcom star on TV. Ray Romano still tops the all time per episode mark with $2 million during the final season of “Everybody Love Raymond.”

Shooter Jennings will release a live album on October 10th, titled Live at Irving Plaza 4.18.06. This will be his third release after 2005’s debut Put the “O” Back in Country and this year’s Electric Cowboy.

It’s been fun blogging with you,

Kate

September 27, 2006

Last night was the 7th season premiere of Gilmore Girls. *SPOILERS* It was good. I loved the whole Rory/Logan rocket thing. I also enjoyed the racquetball scene. I liked the return of the Stars Hollow cast with Kirk and Taylor and the traffic light camera. I felt that was something that was missing last season. I love Kirk; he’s one of my favorite characters on the show. I though Luke’s final scene with Lorelei, telling her that he’ll go anywhere to marry her was great, and of course, Lorelei had to screw that up. It just felt like something was missing. The normal pop culture references were missing, the whole bumper thing was odd. I don’t feel that it’s so far gone that it can’t return to what it once was. It should be interesting to see where this show goes for the rest of the season.

Premiering tonight:
9-10 PM
Lost special episode (ABC)
One Tree Hill (the CW)

Braves Update:
The Atlanta Braves smashed the New York Mets winning 12-0 last night. As if John Smoltz needed massive run support after pitching eight scoreless innings, the Braves delivered anyway. Willy Aybar, Matt Diaz and Andruw Jones all had homers. The Braves continue their series with their NL East rivals tonight at 7:35 on FSN.

Games to .500: 5
Games behind Los Angeles Dodgers: 7
Games behind New York Mets: 17

Braves Notes: Smoltzie won his 15th game of the season last night…Andruw Jones hit his 40th homerun of the season making this the second consecutive year he has hit at least 40 homeruns and his 6th of the last 8 years. He is only the third Brave ever to hit two consecutive years of at least 40 homers. Both Eddie Matthews and Hank Aaron have matched this feat, Aaron in 62 and 63 and Matthews from 53-55.

Random Quote: “I have learned that pitching is pitching, no matter if you’re 20 games up or 20 games down…My two teammates, [Tom] Glavine and [Greg] Maddux helped with that a lot.” –John Smoltz via altantabraves.com

NASCAR Update:
In Roush Racing’s continued search for next year’s driver of the #6 car, Todd Kluever will attempt to qualify for the race in Kansas this weekend in the #06. Last week Ragan started in the #06 finishing 42nd about where the #06 has been finishing all year.

An AP story released today suggests the All-Star Challenge may receive a minor face lift next year. Currently the event raced the weekend before the Coke 600 features winners of the current and past year as well as former All-Star race winners and Cup Champions of the past 10 years, the Nextel Open winner and the fan vote winner. Past fan winners include Martin Truex, Jr. who was not a full time Cup driver at the time, and Kyle Petty.

Separated at Birth:
Because it's the Braves last week, this week's SAB is for them!


Around Sports:
Football:
Cowboys annoyance, Terrell Owens was rushed to the hospital yesterday. In an ESPN report, Owens was suffering from an allergic reaction to pain medication. In a Dallas area news report, Owens attempted to commit suicide. You decide.

Baseball:
The Oakland A’s completed the AL playoff picture yesterday by clinching the West after a 12-3 win over the Mariners. The A’s join the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins.

Golf:
Golf great, Byron Nelson died yesterday at the age of 94. Lord Byron won 11 straight tournaments in 1945. And we got all excited when Tiger Woods won five in a row. Byron was believed to have died of natural causes.

Around the World:
As if you needed another reason not to go to Cancun, large swarms of locust have taken over the Mexican resort town. These swarms can be as wide as a two way street. Last year, Cancun was hit by Hurricane Wilma, something the town has still not fully recovered from.

In totaled car news, small cars will see record sales this year, accounting for 31.5% of the total cars sold in the US. The other 68.5% could make them into true compact cars in small fender benders. Small car sales haven’t been this high since 1987. Fear not all of you SVU owners, gas prices have continually fallen in the past two months and are expected to carry on that trend.

Popo in my Crib News:
San Diego Charger, Terrence Kiel was arrested for a drug related investigation. He was released after posting $150,000 bond. Terrence watch out, because the popo are on your tail!

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Catherine Zeta-Jones will no longer be the spokeswoman for T-Mobile. The company is looking to repackage itself. I would think that just improving their terrible service would be enough to increase customer numbers, but I’m so small minded! Zeta-Jones has been with the company since 2003.

Congratulations go out to Trace Adkins whose newest CD, Dangerous Man, has already gone gold selling more than 500,000 copies since its August 15th release. His other album, Greatest Hits, Vol.1 has gone platinum selling over one million copies.

Kenny Chesney recently celebrated his astounding accomplishment of selling over 25 million albums. His latest album, Live: Live Those Songs Again, has already gone platinum. (via gactv.com)

Brad Paisley will release his first ever Christmas album, aptly titled, Brad Paisley Christmas. Christmas will be released on October 10th.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Shaun Cassidy (48) and Meatloaf (59).

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

September 26, 2006

Last night I watched How I Met Your Mother. *SPOILERS* I don’t know exactly how I feel about Lily and Marshall. I think they are so cute together, but maybe it’s time for them to figure out who they truly are. I think in general, if you date someone from the time your 17 until your 26; you miss out finding out who you are. Anyway your 20s are supposed to be confusing right? In the end, I do want them back together. It should be an interesting storyline for the coming season. After an entire of season of getting together and then not getting together, Ted and Robin are finally together, but I’ll admit, I don’t actually like them together. I guess it’s because, at times, Ted just annoys me. I do love Barney. I loved the end when Lily came in and pretended she was a twin. That was great.

Premiering tonight:
8-9 PM
GILMORE GIRLS!!!!! (the CW)
9:30-10 PM
Help Me Help You (ABC)

Braves Update:
The Bravos had the day off, their final day off until the extra-long off season begins. Tonight they take on the New York Mets at 7:35 on TS.

Games to .500: 6
Games behind Los Angeles Dodgers/Philadelphia Phillies: 7
Games behind New York Mets: 18

Braves Notes: Andruw Jones and Matt Holliday of the Colorado Rookies shared in NL co-Players of the Week for the week of September 18-24th. Andruw had 12 RBIs, 12 runs and 5 homeruns during that period.

NASCAR Update:
Dale Jr.’s TV show, Back in the Day will return for a second season beginning in 2007 on Speed. This season will feature 13 action packed episode’s taking a look back at NASCAR’s golden era while updating viewers on what was going on during that year.

Giants Update:
Jeremy Shockey admitted his emotions got the best of him when he said the Giants were both outplayed and outcoached. Shockey and Coach Coughlin met after the game to sort things out but Coughlin refused to go into details. I’m all for heart and emotion, but why can’t said emotion go into winning games instead of complaining afterwards?

Around Sports:
Football:
The New Orleans Saints triumphant return to the Superdome was capped off with a 23-3 win over the Atlanta Falcons last night. This was the first time the Saints played in the Superdome since Hurricane Katrina hit over 13 months ago. The game also featured performances from U2 and Green Day. Apparently, U2 has become the healing band of the U.S. You may remember U2’s amazing halftime performance during the 2002 Super Bowl.

Seattle Seahawks running back and reigning league MVP, Sean Alexander, will miss the next couple of games with a broken foot. Alexander sustained the injury during the Seahawks defeat of the Giants on Sunday. At least something good came out of that game!

Racing:
During the 112th lap of the Great Lakes Chevy Dealers/Budweiser Glass City 200 (enough title sponsors?) in Toledo, OH all hell broke lose. It started when Michael Simko’s car hit the wall after battling for position with Don St. Denis. Simko felt wronged and jumped onto St. Denis’ car, going right through the windshield. St. Denis proceeded to get out of the car, run at Simko, push him, and then punch him. (If you haven’t seen the footage, head over to cnn.com) Both drivers are suspended indefinitely from ARCA racing. Ah, this is the way racing used to be, fights on the track…now everyone is so pc, and it’s just ruining the off-track excitement.

Baseball:
After yesterday’s homerun during the Reds 5-4 defeat of the Cubs, Ken Griffey, Jr. has moved into 10th place on the all-time homerun leader’s chart with 563 homers. Could you imagine what Griffey’s stats would be like if he had not been injured for so long?

The Minnesota Twins clinched a playoff birth after yesterday’s 8-1 win over the Kansas City Royals. Yesterday, the Tigers clinched a spot after their win over the Royals. It still remains to be seen which team will end up as the AL Central Division champs, with the Tigers holding a scant one game lead over the Twins. With Minnesota clinching a spot, the Chicago White Sox were eliminated and will be unable to defend their 2005 World Series Championship. I’d watch out for Ozzie Guillen if I lived or plan on being anywhere near Chicago.

Random Quote: Orioles outfielder Jay Gibbons somehow managed to hit a foul ball on Saturday that hit his wife, who was sitting in the stands, in the ribs. In a nice gesture, Gibbons signed the horsehide, "I'm sorry for hitting you with a baseball, honey." (via si.com, Ten Spot)

Around the World:
Trials for a new vaccine aimed at wiping out childhood ear and sinus infections as well as some forms of bronchitis in adults have begun. Seriously, where was this vaccine when I was a kid?

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Nashville Star winner, Chris Young’s debut CD will be released on October 3rd. It features the single, “Drinkin’ Me Lonely.”

Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, and Gretchen Wilson have been added to the list of performers for the 2006 CMAs.

Rascal Flatts is one of the most successful artists in country music, but it doesn’t stop them from giving back to the community. On Friday, September 22nd, the group donated $817,000 to the Monroe Carell, Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Olivia Newton-John who turns 58 today.

It’s been fun blogging with you,

Kate

September 25, 2006

I spent this weekend celebrating the Jewish holiday, Rosh Hashanah, with the Bennetts and my brother. It was really a lovely weekend filled with yummy food, a trip to Costco (always interesting), Famous Dave’s (so sad I went so long without ever having this BBQ goodness) and then we went over to Princeton and found an amazing store Zoe. If you’re going to Princeton, make sure you stop by; they have all the hot designers like Marc Jacobs, Marni, Burberry, and so much more.

Premiering tonight:
8-9 PM
7th Heaven (the CW) Why, oh why? Thank goodness ABC Family is going to be re-airing episodes of Everwood starting next week, although it doesn’t beat new Everwood episodes, Dawn!
9-10 PM
Heroes (NBC)
Runaway (the CW)

Braves Update:
For the first time since 1990, the Braves will not be going to the post season after an 8-9 loss to the Colorado Rockies. The Braves were able to get five runs in the first including a grand slam by Brian McCann, the first of two homers Mac would hit yesterday, but still managed to lose. The Braves travel home for their final series with the Mets tomorrow. Today, they have the day off.

Games to .500: 6
Games behind Philadelphia Phillies: 7.5
Games behind New York Mets: 18.5

NASCAR Update:
It took 175 races, but Jeff Burton is finally back in a NASCAR Nextel Cup victory lane after winning at Dover yesterday! Burton’s last win was in Phoenix in 2001. Since then, a lot has changed, like the name of the series. In 2001, it was Winston Cup, now it’s Nextel Cup. Along with the name change came a new points system, with the Chase for the Championship. Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Matt Kenseth all won championships under the old system, while both Kurt Busch and Stewart have won under the new system. Rusty Wallace retired. Burton himself, has raced for two teams, Roush Racing and Richard Childress Racing. He has also seen himself go from tenth in points, when the chase began, to first.

Standings after Dover 400
1. Jeff Burton Leader
2. Jeff Gordon -6
3. Matt Kenseth -18
4. Denny Hamlin -18
5. Kevin Harvick -56
6. Mark Martin -75
7. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. -102
8. Jimmie Johnson -136
9. Kasey Kahne -182
10. Kyle Busch -224
Chase for 11th (points behind 11th)
11. Tony Stewart
12. Greg Biffle -217
13. Carl Edwards -242
14. Kurt Busch -443
15. Casey Mears -525
16. Clint Bowyer -549
17. Ryan Newman -561
18. Jamie McMurray -627
19. Brian Vickers -627
20. Elliot Sadler -628
New Jersey’s Finest
23. Martin Truex, Jr. -754

Juan Pablo Montoya has been released from his Formula One contract and could be in a Busch Series car for Chip Ganassi Racing as soon as Kansas next week. Montoya is also expected to test an ARCA car at Talladega this week.

Jimmie Johnson will race in the Race of Champions in Paris on December 16th. He will be joined by David Coulthard and Jensen Buttons of Formula One.

Giants Update:
Luckily, I missed a large portion of this game in transit from the Bennett’s to my house, but that does not mean it didn’t happen. The Giants started out strong getting an interception on the Seahawks opening play, but Eli Manning managed to give the ball right back to the Hawks and they made the Giants pay. By the end of the first quarter the Giants were down 21-0 and by the end of the first half, it was 35-3. The Giants staged a comeback in the second half, as they are known to do, but it was not enough, as they lost 30-42.

Random Quote: “We got out played and out coached. Write that down.” –Jeremy Shockey via foxports.com

Around Sports:
Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s quarterback, Chris Simms, underwent a spleenectomy following the Bucs' loss to the Carolina Panthers. Simms left the game at the end of the third quarter only to return in the fourth, leading his team on what would have been a game winning drive. The Bucs' defense allowed a Panthers field goal which won the game for them 26-24. Chris will be out for an unidentified amount of time and will be replaced by either Bruce Gradkowski, who replaced him for two plays during yesterday’s game or Luke McGown who has been out with a knee injury suffered during mini camp. Only because you’re from Jersey Chris, oh and your dad was the quarterback for the Giants, Get well!

Brett Favre became the 2nd player in NFL history to throw 400 touchdowns. His Packers team also won the game, beating the Detroit Lions, 31-24. The only other player to have 400 TDs is nutria system himself, Dan Marino who threw 420 during his Hall of Fame career.

Another piece to the Major League Baseball Postseason puzzle has been set, as the Detroit Tigers clinched a spot after yesterday’s 11-4 win over the Royals. Currently, the Tigers are a game and a half up on the Twins for the AL Central Division crown, but 7 up on the Chicago White Sox. The Twins currently lead the White Sox by 5 and a half games in the Wild Card race. This is the first postseason appearance for the Tigers since 1987.

Popo in my Crib News:
Cincinnati Bengal, Odell Thurman was arrested Monday on drunken driving charges. Thurman is already serving a four game suspension after violating the NFL substance abuse policy. Odell watch out, because the popo is on your tail!

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Jackass: Number Two took the top spot at the box office, with over $28 million, proving there are still a lot of dumb people out there willing to pay to see morons injure themselves in all kinds of dumb ways. Fearless came in second bringing in $10.6 million followed by last weeks number one movie, Gridiron Gang, Flyboys, and Everyone’s Hero. Sean Penn’s latest, All the King’s Men came in 7th bringing in only $3.8 million. I’m pretty sure Sean wants to forget that movie more than his marriage to Madonna.

After his video shoot for “You Save Me,” Kenny Chesney says he does not want to be an actor like his pal, Tim McGraw. What a concept, a singer staying with music. If only Mariah Carey would have done that, then we wouldn’t have had to be subjected to Glitter.

Aaron Carter has split from his fiancée of one week, Kari Anne Peniche. Apparently, he realized he made a mistake. He was supposed to marry someone with more money than himself, so he would not have to go back to the trailer park to live with his mother.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Hal Sparks (37) and Scottie Pippen (41).

It’s been fun blogging with you,

Kate

September 22, 2006

Last night I planted my butt on the couch and never got up. I first watched Two-A-Days, a MTV reality show following five members of the Hoover High School football team. Then I watched a little bit of Grey’s Anatomy the recap special followed by The Office. *Spoilers* So, we finally got to see who Pam chose, and turns out, she chose herself. How Kelly Taylor of her. Jim moved to the Stamford branch. Is it just me, or is the guy in the desk in front of him from the Daily Show? We also found out Oscar is gay, although they alluded to that last year in the episode where they did spring cleaning. All and all, not the best episode, more of a set up episode, but like always, funnier than most of the stuff on TV. Then I watched Grey’s. *spoilers* Originally, next week’s episode was supposed to be this weeks but the network wanted an episode that cleaned up the cliff hanger better, which explains why it was so choppy and filled with flashbacks. I thought the final scene was incredible, when Izzie finally pulls herself off the floor and Cristina goes to see Burke. Those scenes are what make this show so special. But I have to admit, I really want Addison and Derek together and Meredith and McVet together, but that’s not going to happen :(

Premiering tonight:
8-9 PM
Ghost Whisperer (CBS)
WWE Smackdown (The CW)
9-10 PM
Close to Home (CBS)
Stargate:SG-1 (Sci Fi)
10-11 PM
Numb3rs (CBS)
Law & Order (NBC)

Premiering on Sunday:
8-9 PM
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC)
Amazing Race (CBS)
9-10 PM
Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Cold Case (CBS)
10-11 PM
Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Without a Trace (CBS)

Also on tonight is Men in Trees on ABC at 9PM. I recommend anyone that hasn't watched it, to check it out. It's not ground breaking, but it's enjoyable. It has a Gilmore Girls feel in that the members of the town are important to the overall storyline. It's nice to see Anne Heche doing something different. I feel like this show really has potiental to grow and mature, but it needs viewers to continue it's run.

In theaters now:
Fearless
Jackass: Number two (Making it two too many)
Flyboys
All the King’s Men
The Science of Sleep

Braves Update:
Andruw Jones may not be contending for the NL MVP this year but he sure is making a case to be the Braves MVP. Jones knocked in four runs including a three run homerun in the sixth. That’s all the Braves need as John Smoltz allowed only 3 runs in seven innings allowing the Braves to beat the Rockies 6-3. The Braves continue their four game series with Colorado tonight at 8:05 on TS.

Games to .500: 3
Games behind Los Angeles Dodgers: 5
Games behind New York Mets: 17

Braves Notes: The Braves have exercised their option on John Smoltz’s contract for next year. He’ll earn $8 million, a relative bargain for a future Hall of Famer and 19 year veteran of the Braves organization.

NASCAR Update:
NASCAR is heading over to Dover this weekend, Martin Truex, Jr.’s home track, for the second race in the Chase for the Nextel Cup. The Monster Mile is self-cleaning, making it a dangerous track as accidents have a way of involving multiple cars.

Qualifying: 3PM Friday on Speed
Dover 400: 12:30PM Sunday on TNT

Bobby Hamilton, Jr. will once again be driving for Team Rensi Motorsports. Hamilton, Jr. has taken a two year hiatus from full time Busch Series racing in which he drove for PPI in the Nextel Cup Series last year and then filled in for his father, Bobby Hamilton in the Truck Series, as Bobby, Sr. battle cancer.

Giants Update:
It’s Hasselbeck Bowl this weekend as Matt Hasselbeck and the Seattle Seahawks take on Tim Hasselbeck and the Giants. Even though this might not have all the hype of Manning Bowl, it’s still an important game for the Giants who enter 1-1, tied for first in the NFC East.

Giants Notes: Sinorice Moss re-injured his thigh on Wednesday and will not play in Sunday’s game.

Random Quote: "I just caught a pass and I was going upfield and Richard Seymour's 340-pound body fell on my ankle from behind me, and I don't have eyes in the back of my head and I damn sure don't have a sixth sense. It's getting better."
-Jeremy Shockey on how he injured his ankle via nypost.com

Around Sports:
Another US basketball team lost in the semifinals of the World Basketball Championships today, but this time it was the woman. Talk about gender equality. I think we should just bask in the glow of the gold medals our boys won during the Olympic Qualifier for baseball.

Today’s edition of the Ten Spot on si.com maybe the greatest thing ever written by a Mets fan (gag)! It’s based on his hatred of the Yankees. This maybe one of the few things Mets and Braves fans have in common.

Marlins Manager, Joe Girardi will reportedly not be back with the team next year. Girardi is working with the lowest payroll in baseball, $14 million and is still only four games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the wild card spot. Girardi could receive $1.5 million from the Marlins he does not get a managing job next year.

Popo in my Crib News:
Former Enron CEO, Jeffrey Skilling was ticketed for public intoxication in Dallas earlier this month. Skilling was convicted on 19 counts of fraud, conspiracy, insider trading and lying in May. Watch out Jeff, because the popo is on your tail!

Lou Diamond Phillips is facing domestic battery charges stemming from an August 11th fight between himself and his live in love, Yvonne Boismier. Phillips allegedly dragged Ms. Boismier across the floor leading to cuts on both of her knees. If convicted, Phillips could spend a year in jail. Watch out Lou, because the popo is on your tail!

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac will perform with Little Big Town in an upcoming episode of CMT Crossroads. The episode will be taped on October 5th in Nashville and will premiere of CMT on December 2nd.

Faith Hill’s new video for “Stealing Kisses” was filmed in suburban New Jersey. We’ll call this a snap shot of my life.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Scott Baio and Bonnie Hunt who both turn 45 today.

It’s been fun blogging with you,

Kate

September 21, 2006

Last night I got home late after an event, but I got home just in time to see Shanna Moakler get booted from Dancing with the Stars.

Premiering tonight:
Tonight, TV is bringing must see Thursday’s back. I can barely contain my excitement!
8-9PM
Grey’s Anatomy: Recap Special (ABC)
My Name is Earl (8-8:30) (NBC)
The Office (8:30-9) (NBC) So excited even though the New York Times gave away the answer to the cliffhanger. Thanks, like I really needed another reason not to read you!
9-10PM
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
CSI (CBS)
10-11PM
Six Degrees (ABC)
Shark (CBS)
ER (NBC)

Braves Update:
The Braves where able to slap three homers including one each from Baby Braves, Brian McCann and Jeff Francoeur as well as one from veteran Andruw Jones. Andruw still doesn’t turn 30 until April 2007! Lance Cormier lasted 6 1/3 innings allowing only two earned runs closing out the Nationals series with a 7-3 win. The Braves have won 5 out of their last 7 games as they move onto Coors Field to take on the Colorado Rockies at 8:35PM on TBS.

Games to .500: 4
Games behind Los Angeles Dodgers/Philadelphia Phillies: 5
Games behind New York Mets: 18.5

Braves Notes: Chipper Jones injured his right foot and was forced to leave the game last night. Apparently those ugly necklaces are not working CJ…Bob Wickman will stay with the Braves for another year after signing a $6.5 million contract. Not bad for a guy with a beer gut the size of Texas. He has been able to complete 15 out of 16 save opportunities since joining the Braves in July!

NASCAR Update:
Boston Red Sox owner and President of Fenway Sports Group, John Henry is looking to expand his sports empire by entering into a discussion to buy a piece of Roush Racing. This is in the early stages and by no means a sure thing, but it would be a very interesting pairing!

Armando Fitz and Terry Bradshaw will sever ties after the 2006 Busch Series season. Citing time constrants, Bradshaw will leave his perch as team owner of FitzBradshaw Racing after five years in the Busch Series.

Giants Update:
Congratulations go out to Eli Manning for being named NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Because Peyton cannot stand to let his li’l bro get all the attention, the Colt’s QB picked up the AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors as well. Eli is the first Giant to receive this award since Kerry Collins did in week 16 during the 2002 season.

Around Sports:
Congratulations go out to Sam Hornish, Jr. who received the third quarter Driver of the Year honors. Hornish won the Indy 500 in May and then capped off the season by winning his 3rd IRL Championship. This is the second straight year that the winner of the Indy 500 has gone on to win the Championship. Dan Wheldon did it last year driving for Andretti Green Racing.

The Skankees clinched their 9th consecutive division title by losing to the Blue Jays last night. Oh yeah and the Red Sox lost too. You’ve got five more years to catch up to the Braves! If you do that, then I’ll congratulate you.

Random Quote: "When people write [bad things] about me, I don't know if it's [because] I'm good-looking, I'm biracial, I make the most money, I play on the most popular team...." or because I can’t get it done under pressure?
-Alex Rodriguez via si.com

Around the World:
Elkport, Iowa will soon be a thing of the past. After a 2004 flood that left some homes under 15 feet of water, Elkport has become a literal ghost town. 86 residents, in a town that has a population of 150, have been bought out by the government. Soon the general store, local elementary school and up to 27 homes will be erased. While the residents may be gone, the town still plans to meet during monthly city council meetings.

Celebrity Tid Bits:
Rebel Billionaire and Virgin Media founder, Richard Branson has pledged $3 billion over the next 10 years to combat global warming.

The Dixie Chicks will be featured on an upcoming episode of VH1’s Storytellers that was taped yesterday in Los Angeles.

Justin Timberlake has the number one album in the nation. FutureSex/LoveSounds sold 684,000 copies last week, making it Timberlake’s first number one album as a solo artist. John Mayer’s Continuum came in second followed by Beyonce who took a huge second week nose dive. After selling over 500,000 copies of her Bday CD during its debut week, Beyonce was only able to sell 162,000 last week. Bob Seger, Bob Dylan, Lionel Richie, Hinder, Danity Kane, The Mars Volta, and Nickelback round out the top 10.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Bill Murray (56), Faith Hill (39) and Luke Wilson (35).

It’s been fun blogging with you,

Kate