Did You Even Visit Your Nephew? Yes I Did....Don't Break Up My Family!

Tonight was the long awaited first half of a 2 part reunion of the Real Housewives of New Jersey. If this post seems choppy or unclear, it's because the reunion left me numb, speechless, and wide-eyed. Let's dig in. As we all know, this season has been a whirlwind and as the 4 women sat down to talk about what has happened, the first 4 minutes of the sit down dictated how the rest of the night would go. Andy Cohen had bought up Jersey Shore to see how the women felt about another show representing Jersey but this time in a negative light. Teresa said she didn't approve of Sammi "The Sweetheart" sleeping with Ronnie a week after they met. Teresa then went on to compare this act to what Danielle had did with her ex-Steve at Teresa's shore house a year ago. The gloves were off and we all knew that there would be trouble for the rest of the night.

After things settled from the comment, Andy went on to talk about Teresa and Jacqueline becoming mothers again. Andy asked a question from a viewer about why Danielle didn't call Jacqueline after her son was born and Danielle noted that she wasn't allowed to say anything but offered her congratulations then and there on the reunion. Teresa interjected and commented on how disgusting of a friend Danielle was to Jacqueline and boy oh boy did Danielle ever say the mother of all comments to Teresa "Did you even visit your own nephew?" Teresa answered "Yes I did". Just when I thought it was over...no...Teresa got up off the couch and went balls to the wall insane. She wagged her finger in Danielle's face and screamed "Don't break up my family! You bitch!" Things went haywire shortly after with Andy being pushed, the cameras running backstage, hairdressers consoling the women, pure insanity. A commercial break was needed.

After the commercial break, the reunion proceeded with talking about what the Jersey kids had accomplished this season, the off handed comments made about each other's children and of course Teresa's finances. While she does admit that she is in debt, she still remains in denial that she has serious spending problems and that foreclosure of her home is a possibility. Moving from the awkwardness of money talk, the show focused on Caroline and her amazing mothering this season and how she opened up her life and her children's lives a little more this season. I was pleased and touched by her being so brave once again. Caroline you rock.

Coming towards the end, the subject moved from Danielle's involvement in porn to her rude behavior at The Brownstone. Caroline and Danielle exchanged words and after Caroline said "We're in the OK Corral so buckle up", we fans were left with a cliffhanger...

Until next Monday, RHONJ fans...keep watching and keep your heart rate down.

XOXO,
Whitney

Ivan Nova Is As Hot As The Sun. Hello Super Nova

When a stellar explosion decides to become extremely luminous, it causes a burst of radiation that can outshine an entire galaxy. During this occurrence, energy is released as bright as the sun. This is called Supernova. And just when we thought that there wasn't anyone or anything that could compete...along comes Ivan Nova.

Nova is the 23 year old phenom from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre who secured his first major league career win today against the Chicago White Sox. Nova went 5 2/3 innings in what was an amazing outing for the rookie.

Nova is someone who goes on the mound and plays with passion and intensity, and intensity we all saw against the Blue Jays a few games back when he and Jose Bautista exchanged words. It's the "ice" in Nova's veins that will help him continue to be an unstoppable force as the season rolls on.

In the words of Nova's mother and brother "Don't feel pressure, it's just baseball" and Nova looks as if there is no pressure and...with 32 games left in the season Nova has to remind himself that it is just baseball but, when you play for the New York Yankees, it's baseball and a World Series championship.

Congratulations Ivan Nova.

XOXO,
Whitney

You're The One With Red Hair Caroline...You're The Clown...

Tonight was the season finale for Season 2 of the Real Housewives of New Jersey and from the clip shown above, this was the ultimate showdown between Caroline Manzo and Danielle Staub and when I say that Caroline Manzo is loyal to her family, I mean she truly lives by the motto "blood is thicker than water".  Let's dig in.

Caroline agreed to meet with Danielle to talk about dropping charges made against Ashley. Caroline's family pleaded with her to avoid Danielle as well as Danielle's children pleading with their mother to avoid Caroline. Both women decided to meet and after a few agreements on incidents, Danielle put up her wall and proceeded to make Caroline look like the bad guy. It didn't work because Caroline is a woman of integrity and doesn't back down from a fight, even if she's cornered. Danielle on the other hand unravels when cornered....she lies.

After Caroline called Danielle garbage twice and because she knew she was losing to a woman who was ready for anything, Danielle mustered up something after Caroline called her a clown. She replied: "Caroline, you're the one with the red hair...you're the clown". Caroline came back with venom and Danielle was unprepared and walked out. Typical of someone losing a fight, they walk away. Nothing was resolved.

We'll see more of the ladies next week for Part 1 of the reunion show. I know I can't wait...

XOXO,
Whitney

Adieu Adieu Sweet Lou...

Where were you when Joe Torre decided he wasn't returning to the Yankees? I remember sitting on my couch watching ABC 7 and Scott Clark making his announcement. This was in 2007. Where were you yesterday, August 22, 2010, when Lou Piniella announced that this was his last day/time ever managing the Cubs? I was glued to my television like everyone else.

Lou Piniella's long, illustrious career in baseball which spans 48 years has come to an end. From the sharp-tongued, talented outfielder to the highly successful manager who threw tantrums and bases at umpires, Piniella has left and indelible mark on baseball that will never be forgotten.

Like so many of you, the early announcement came as a shock because we were all waiting for the end of the season to say our farewells...not in August. However, for a man who has put his family and team in a tie for first in his heart, his retirement yesterday only seemed fitting because he wants to spend more time with his ailing mother. "My mom needs me home and that's where I'm going", Piniella said before the start of the Cubs/Braves game yesterday.

It's an emotional time for Cubs fans as their beloved Lou moves on and for the rest of baseball as we say goodbye to the man who's lit up our highlight reels with his unique personality.  Wait...let me scratch that...it's not goodbye Lou...more like see you soon.



XOXO,
Whitney

Robinson Cano...MVP?

As August is slowly coming to a close and we await September, fall weather, and the playoffs, MVP talks are on the rise. The most talked about candidates this season are Josh Hamilton, Miguel Cabrera, and Robinson Cano.

We've all heard this question multiple times and have even asked our friends this question, "If the season were to end today, who would win the AL MVP Award?" and the answers and explanations have all been different..."Josh Hamilton because he leads the AL in average and nearly everything, Miguel Cabrera because his numbers are outstanding and he's on pace to win the Triple Crown Award, and finally Robinson Cano because he's really stepped it up this season and his numbers are amazing."

From that array of answers, how can we narrow down just who the MVP should be? Well, when looking at a player and seeing just who has the total package, it would have to be Robbie.

Since his appointment as the cleanup hitter, No. 5 spot, after Matsui left the Yankees, Cano has stepped up to the challenge and produced. As of late, with Alex Rodriguez out due to a calf injury, Cano has settled into the No. 4 spot quite comfortably....so comfortably that in the No. 4 spot, Cano has had 4 homeruns and 13 RBIs. Not bad for Cano.

Today, the hits kept on rolling  as Cano hit a monster grand slam to give the Yankees a 5-0 lead after Mark Teixeira was intentionally walked. Once the rain settled, Cano would go on to bring 2 runners home capping off a stellar day with a grand slam and 6 RBIs...a career best. The Yankees would go on to win 10-0 against the Mariners.

We'll continue to watch as the season moves on and we'll all be glued to our televisions to hear the debates over the MVP candidates. I wish nothing but the best of luck to all of these men because each player brings a unique essence to the game that is so effective we're constantly talking about them.

XOXO,
Whitney

Welcome To The Bronx Eduardo Nunez!

After yesterday's DEBACLE against King Felix, Felix Hernandez, the Yankees started fresh against Vargas and the Mariners....and boy did the bats come alive today.

With hits from the usual guys, Jeter, Cano, Teixeira, and Posada, just to name a few, the game rolled along until both New York and Seattle were deadlocked in a 4-4 tie. The game seemed to move slowly after this.

What changed the mood of the game was when newcomer Eduardo Nunez came to the batter's box and garnered his first major league hit. Nunez had been robbed of hit earlier in the game and on Thursday as well so today was the ultimate icing on the cake. With that single, Nunez also gained his first RBI and the Yankees would take a 5-4 lead.

One could say that Nunez opened the flood gates for Yankee hitting because the bats remained hot and the Yankees would go on to dominate the game.

Mariano would come out and work his magic as usual  and the Yankees would go on to win 9-5.

It is only fitting that I extend warm congratulations to Nunez and close by saying: Eduardo...WELCOME TO THE  BRONX!

XOXO,
Whitney

The Rocket Has Fizzled Down To a Firecracker

Remember in 2008 when Roger Clemens appeared before a House committee and was adamant that he had never taken HGH or steroids? Well, it seems as if a federal grand jury is adamant that they've had it with Clemens and his lying and have indicted him for making false claims to Congress.

What started this firestorm was the fact that Clemens was mentioned in the Mitchell Report and had went to Congress to clear himself of any wrongdoing. From 2008 until today, Clemens still sticks to his story about how he never took steroids. Likewise, since 2008 Clemens and trainer Brian McNamee have been side by side in trying to prove the Mitchell Report wrong. Sadly, it would be McNamee who confessed that Clemens had taken steroids.

One would think that with McNamee's testimony, the possibility of serving a maximum of 30 years in prison,  and having to pay a fine of $1.5 million, under U.S. sentencing guidelines Clemens would serve 15-21 months in jail, that Clemens would change his tune.

So, how does this affect Clemens' chances of going to the Hall of Fame? His career stats of 354 victories made him a definite for the Hall of Fame. Now, the question is up in the air. As noted by former teammate Lance Berkman, "In my opinion, he's a Hall of Famer. Period,"  who played with Clemens in Houston. "Whatever you want to say about the guy, he belongs in the Hall of Fame. In my opinion, legacy-wise, I guess that's up to -- I mean, 200 years from now, who cares? "But in the short term, I guess, he may have some things to address," Berkman said. "He's a big boy. He'll face up to whatever it is. But it doesn't change my opinion of him at all."

I feel bad for all involved in this situation from Clemens down to his family, the game, and the fans. I hope others take heed to what has happened today and that they begin to live by the old adage, "what you do in the dark always comes to light".

XOXO,
Whitney

What Really Killed Lou Gehrig?

Nearly 70 years after the famed Yankee's death from ALS, which was later named Lou Gehrig's disease, there are recent reports that are re-examining the way in which Lou Gehrig really died.

From World Report and U.S. News:

Brain Trauma Can Mimic Lou Gehrig's Disease

Lou Gehrig might not have had Lou Gehrig's disease. A new study suggests that repeated concussions from playing sports can cause a motor-neuron disorder with symptoms that mimic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the ailment more often known by the name of the baseball great who died nearly 70 years ago. Like many professional athletes then and now, Gehrig often played through injuries, which included concussions. When researchers examined the brains and spinal cords of 12 deceased athletes thought to have died of ALS—all had a history of multiple concussions—they found that the athletes may actually have had chronic traumatic encephalomyopathy, a degenerative brain condition linked to head trauma. It's likely that some people—perhaps even Gehrig—suffered from the condition but were diagnosed with ALS. Two telltale proteins distinguish CTE from ALS, the researchers say. Symptoms of both conditions include weakness or numbness in the limbs, uncontrollable muscle twitching, and gradual loss of movement. The findings, published Wednesday in the Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology, strengthen evidence about the long-term damage of traumatic head injuries, The Wall Street Journal reports.

This comes as a major shock to me and beloved Yankee fans who idolize and continue to remember Gherig. While people are researching this breaking news, take time out to research ALS further and know the signs so that we can combat this killer.

For more information on ALS, visit www. alsa.org

XOXO,

Whitney 

Yankees Kick Off Hope Week 2010

This week, beginning today, The New York Yankees are participating in Hope Week which the Yankees recognize 5 inspirational stories and grant hope to these people in the form of courage, praise, love, and the occassional pool party, games of catch, and so much more for these deserving individuals. The players, coaches, and front office all do their part in ensuring that everyone walks away feeling slightly better about themselves and their lives.

At the end of each surprise for these 5 people, they are awarded a trip to Yankee Stadium so that the players personally connect with these people and to cap off their great personal accomplishments.

Hope Week is sure to be emotionally and spiritually rewarding and such a great thing for these players with such busy schedules to set time aside to do.



XOXO,
Whitney

K-Rod is Down For The Count

 

As if the Mets need to add more insult to injury, Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez had come through big time. Following his disastrous confrontation with his father-in-law which resulted in punches being thrown, spending a night in custody, and losing 2 days pay due, it has been reported that K-Rod has torn a ligament in his pitching hand.

While the Mets are in Houston ready to take on the Astros, Rodriguez is spending this Monday possibly sulking at home because his hand will need surgery to repair and therefore, Rodriguez is out for the rest of the season. The Mets are already 10 games behind division-leading Atlanta and with K-Rod's absence for the rest of the season, the Mets will really have to scramble now to find some footing before October and the playoffs soon approach.

If you want to sound off about this unfortunate event, you can either leave a comment or participate in the WWW Forum found on the top of the page.

XOXO,
Whitney

The Mets Don't Need Any Sympathy

As the Mets continue to struggle to find some footing during the second half of the season, there has been increased talk about the incompetence of the manager Jerry Manuel. With these talks, the proposed solution to this problem is to fire Jerry Manuel. Is this taking things a bit too far?

Yesterday, Mike Francesa had Jerry Manuel phone in to talk about the Mets' struggles which included the ambiguous playing status of Carlos Beltran and questionable pitching. I give Manuel nothing but respect for conducting that phone interview with the most professionalism possible being in the sticky situation he's in but I think he needs to stop beating around the bush and truly find a solution for his team who was 11 games over .500 and are now scrambling to get out of 3rd place and being 8.5 games behind Atlanta.

However, there was some good news last night as Pelfrey pitched beautifully to secure a win for the Mets, 1-0 against Colorado. 

Below is the podcast of the interview yesterday. You listen and decide what needs to be done about the struggling Mets.

XOXO,
Whitney

There It Goes...See Ya! Number 600 For Alex Rodriguez!

Here's a little question I will pose to get you all started: What do Alex Rodriguez and my birthday, August 4, have in common? I'll give you a moment....give up? The answer is milestone homeruns. On Aug 4, 2007, Alex Rodriguez hit his 500th homerun off of Kyle Davies and exactly 3 years later, Aug 4, 2010, Alex hit his 600th homerum off of Shaun Marcum in the bottom of the first to give the Yankees an early jump and to give the fans just what we've been waiting for.

I'm a firm believer in spirits, mystique, and aura and the fashion in which Alex hit his homerun was nothing short of breathtaking. Alex hit a straight shot to monument park as if the old Yankee greats were guiding the ball to its intended path. Positivity flowed throughout the stadium from new faces to familiar faces as well. Alex's ex-wife Cynthia was on hand to show good faith and pass along well wishes.

While I'm slightly jaded because this is the 2nd milestone I've missed on my birthday, I'll end by extending a warm congratulations to Alex and I hope to be there in another 3 years for 700.

All rights in the video go to Major League Baseball, The New York Yankees, and the YES Network

XOXO,
Whitney

A Special Birthday Greeting From The Birthday Girl

Well, I've waited for this day and now it's here. Today is my birthday! 22 years ago, August 4, 1988,  I burst through the birth canal and have been unstoppable ever since. While I would like to relish in this day, I want to send a special birthday greeting to my fellow Leos who were born on August 4th as well. This includes celebrities and non-celebrities.

But, touching on the celebrity aspect, when I was 9, I remember researching people who shared the same birthday as mine. I was surprised and quite enamored with the people on this list. As I've gotten older, the list has grown to include our current president. That's right, Barack Obama was born on August 4th!

So, enough with the chit chat, here's the list of SOME of the many folks born on this day:

Percy Shelley-Poet(husband of Mary Shelley who wrote Frankenstein) Aug 4 1792- Jul 8 1822

Louis Vuitton- Fashion- Aug 4 1821- Feb 27 1892

Louis Armstrong- Jazz musician- Aug 4 1901-July 6 1971

Billy Bob Thornton- Actor-Aug 4 1955- present

President Barack Obama- 44th President- Aug 4 1961- present

Roger Clemens- Baseball pitcher- Aug 4 1962- present

Jeff Gordon- Nascar driver- Aug 4 1971- present

Marques Houston- Singer- Aug 4 1981- present

Cole & Dylan Sprouse- Actors- Aug 4 1992- present

Tiffany Evans- Singer- Aug 4 1992- present

Happy Birthday to us all!

XOXO,

Whitney

Top 10 Couples Who Should Reunite...

While I continue to wait for Alex to hit his 600th homerun I've decided to write a "Top 10" list of the couples who I feel should give their relationships a second chance. Remember, this is just an opinion so here goes:

10. Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee- A couple who have been through it all, a sex tape and 2 children, these two brought excitement to their union and this is what helped them break up, reunite, and break up again. I think they should give it another go around and try again. Good luck Pam and Tommy.

9. Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe- From their days in Cruel Intentions to marriage and 2 children later, Reese and Ryan called it quits shortly after she won her Best Actress Oscar for Walk The Line. Reese has moved on and continued to make movies while Ryan has been at a stand still. These two need to get back together to rekindle their young love and to keep Ryan afloat.

8. Justin and Britney- Remember when they showed up at the VMAs in 2000 and wore matching denim? Those were the days when they were in love and Britney had a grip on reality. They should reunite because Britney could definitely use a stable influence in her life and I'm not convinced that they've gotten over each other. Especially when Justin's mother publicly professed her love for Britney and not for his other girlfriends.

7. J.Lo and Diddy- This hip hop pair were all the rage in the late 90s early 2000s. J.Lo's impeccable talent and Diddy's knack for business was a plus for this talent and although she's moved on with the incredibly talented Marc Anthony, and I approve, in my mind they'll always be an item.

6. Bruce Willis and Demi Moore- 11 years of marriage,3 children, and 2 highly successful movie careers, it's a shame that these two got divorced. What gives them extra bonus points is that they've remained on amicable terms for the children and they're so loving towards each other. Demi and Bruce remarry please!

5. Brad and Jennifer- This blond pair were so chill and adorable. Brad's alleged infidelity with Angelina Jolie was the reason for their split and since then things have been pretty unstable for them. Although Brad and Angelina have 6 beautiful children and Jenn still has her career, things could be better for the two. Guys, I wish you the best of luck.

4. Mariah Carey and Derek Jeter- Now, this awesome twosome have acquired longevity in careers that many don't survive for more than 5 years, baseball and music. When they first dated in 1997, Mariah was 9 years into her illustrious career and Derek was 1 year into being NY's hottest baseball players. A deadly combo this was and increased media influence was the reason for their split. Derek and Mariah, you two are grown and need to give this another try.

3. A-Rod and Kate Hudson- The NY Yankee's talented mental case dated movie royalty for nearly a year and her relaxed, down to earth persona gave Alex the confidence needed to secure his 1st World Series win and NY loved him. But, being the media whore he is, Alex ditched Kate and has since moved on to Cameron Diaz. While I would love for Alex and ex-wife Cynthia Scurtis to give it another try for their 2 girls,  Kate and Alex are just as cute.

2. Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush- The Saint and The Sinner caught all media attention 2 years ago and things only heightened when Reggie won his 1st Super Bowl title. After splitting, reuniting, and splitting again, Kim has since moved on and so has Reggie. I think they were uber hot together.

1. LeBron James and The Cleveland Cavaliers- LeBron is a born and raised Clevelanite and the Cavaliers was the first team to give him a shot. 7 years and nearly billions later, LeBron left Cleveland in a special entitled The Decision and boy has Cleveland retaliated. From nasty letters to fans burning his jersey, LeBron has felt the wrath of biting the hand that feeds him. I wish both parties nothing but the absolute best.

Well folks, there you have it! Stay tuned in the upcoming future for more "Top 10" lists during slow weeks in sports.

XOXO,
Whitney