Posted by: Deirdre on July 24, 2007 4:23PM EST I'm back!!!! Y'all will be happy to hear that the fish continue to grow....I see a fish fry in our future! Rodney, I agree but she has to start backpedaling somewhere and I think she has made a halfway decent start.

Posted by: Deirdre on July 24, 2007 4:34PM EST The sad part about all this with Kelly is that she still seems to be pretty angry...the cd didn't get everything off her chest and she spent a lot of time basically saying "I don't give a s**t whether people like it or not." Well, mostly, people don't like it so, I think this 'apology' is the first salvo in the effort to go back to her former image.

Posted by: flat screen on July 24, 2007 4:37PM EST FIRST

Posted by: flat screen on July 24, 2007 4:38PM EST DAMN D....you beat me!

Posted by: linnykat on July 24, 2007 4:56PM EST lol greg, you're funny!!! to address the Nashville Star question at the end of last blog, i agree it's a shame that NS winners don't seem to be given a lot of publicity or be on tour....it's a shame! i too would LOVE to see the Hackers, BOTH of 'em, on tour!!! KPH - you JUST missed Athfest for this year, it was a week ago, and it was a good one this year, far as i can tell... hubby wasn't at the GaBar until this year, but he'll be around for a while now!!! I think he's found his home-away-from-home. He used to work security at NoWhere Bar, then GaTheatre.... but GaBar seems to be the right slot for him now... come on down!!! (errr. i guess that would be "over")

Posted by: Deirdre on July 24, 2007 5:01PM EST On the Nashville Star thing.....the Idol contestants are just a lot more well known. Network show as opposed to cable......Number 1 show of the season as opposed to Number whatever. While I do like Nashville Star, it just doesn't have the power that Idol has.

Posted by: Rodney Ho on July 24, 2007 5:14PM EST Nashville Star received maybe 3 million viewers a week, possbily 4 or 5 million counting repeats with a lot fewer overall episodes. One episode of "Idol" gives a contestant as much if not more exposure than an entire run of NS!

Posted by: Mitch on July 24, 2007 5:58PM EST I posted this on the other blog but decided to post again here... In the 5 years of Nashville Star, only Buddy Jewell appeared on the main stage (night time) at CMA Musicfest. The others have always appeared there but they appeared on the riverfront stage. None of those shows were part of the show last night. Buddy Jewell, Brad Cotter & Erica Jo have all lost their record deals (I think). Chris Young, although very popular, has had very minimal chart success. Miranda Lambert has been the most successful product of NS. AI has had much success in country. Carrie Underwood has been the biggest draw in the autograph lines of all country artists for 3 years now. Kellie Pickler, Bucky Covington & Josh Gracin all are having good success on the charts for country music and Carmen Rasmusen has a CD set for release in Aug or Sep. Also, Jason Meadows released his first CD last week. He was runner up to Erica Jo in Season 3. Everyone thought he should have won but Anastasia wanted a woman to win since the first 2 seasons had a man to win.

Posted by: Mitch on July 24, 2007 6:01PM EST Jayski is reporting this: Tim Packman talked with Dave Moody on Sirius Speedway Tuesday afternoon and stated that Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has entered into a meger/acquisition of Ginn Racing. Reportedly, the #13 team's points will go to #15-Paul Menard and he will be locked into the field. #01-Mark Martin will drive at Indianapolis under the DEI banner, and possibly the #14 team points will be sold to Furniture Row Racing and #78-Kenny Wallace to lock him into the field. It is unknown what will happen to Regan Smith, who was scheduled to drive the #14 this weekend. An official announcement is expected later today.

Posted by: Mike S on July 24, 2007 6:35PM EST WOW! I knew that the merger was in the works, but I figured it was for the 13 only. Intersting though -- even if the 14 goes to Furniture Row -- that leaves DEI with the 01, 1, 8, 13, 15. I guess since Menard is getting the 13's points that either 13 or 15 will go away to get DEI down to 4 teams.

Posted by: Mitch on July 24, 2007 6:38PM EST I'm assuming that the 13 will go away with Menard getting the points.

Posted by: Mike S on July 24, 2007 6:40PM EST HEre we go..Just announced !!!! As FOXSports.com first reported earlier this month, sources confirm that a merger between Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Ginn Racing has been completed. Four teams — the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops with Martin Truex Jr., the No. 8 Budweiser with Dale Earnhardt Jr., the No. 15 with Paul Menard and the No. 01 with Mark Martin — will travel under the new DEI banner this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Bobby Ginn will continue to be listed as the owner of the Nos. 01 and 15 cars. DEI will also acquire the Ginn Racing properties in Mooresville, N.C., that include a state-of-the-art shop and 7-post machine. All four teams will work out of the facilities formerly known as Ginn Racing. Aric Almirola is expected to be mentored by Martin and drive the No. 01 car in the events that the popular driver chooses to sit out. The status of Regan Smith, who has shared the No. 01 with Martin this season and who last week was named as the new permanent driver for Ginn's No. 14 car, has yet to be determined. DEI's management team will be heading up the transition and evaluating personnel over the next month.

Posted by: Mike S on July 24, 2007 6:50PM EST MITCh - one thing this article does not address that I think is as important as anything --- Ginn was a Sattelite operation of Hendricks Motorsports. DEI just got a crap load of Hendricks Bodies, Chassis and engines to learn. Add Childress to the engine part since DEI and Childress share engine programs now.

Posted by: Mitch on July 24, 2007 6:52PM EST I just think it is funny that Ginn was a supposedly a MAJOR player in the bid for Jr. and now they are basically gone. They must not have been as big a contender as everyone thought.

Posted by: Mike S on July 24, 2007 6:57PM EST what would have been hilarious is if Jr. had signed with Ginn. LOL

Posted by: Mitch on July 24, 2007 7:29PM EST LOL, that would have been too funny. The announcement is supposed to come this week that he will be driving the #5 Mountain Dew Chevy.

Posted by: Mike S on July 24, 2007 7:35PM EST You know what is scary -- I can already see Jr' "DOINGING THE DEW" commercials.

Posted by: Mike S on July 24, 2007 7:51PM EST WHOA - from Thatsracin.com, DEI is negotiating with Mark Martin to have him drive the #8 fulltime next year. If Martin agrees it is not clear if Aric Almirola will be full time in the 01 or if he will split time with Regan Smith.

Posted by: Mitch on July 24, 2007 8:15PM EST If that's the case, that is probably confirmation that Kyle Bush is NOT going to DEI. I guess all the contracts with Ginn transferred to DEI as well. I hope Amarilo didn't shoot himself in the foot by leaving Gibbs

Posted by: Mitch on July 24, 2007 8:22PM EST According to charlotte observer, it will be the points from the 14 going to the 15. The 13 will not be run. Early reports had points from the 14 going to the 78 (furniture row racing). I wonder if they will try to acquire the 13 points.

Posted by: Mitch on July 25, 2007 8:04AM EST Good Morning All!!

Posted by: KPH on July 25, 2007 8:09AM EST Morning Mitch how was your evening?

Posted by: Mitch on July 25, 2007 8:11AM EST Had nice relaxing evening. It was needed after yesterday at work.

Posted by: Mitch on July 25, 2007 8:15AM EST For those who missed America's Got Talent last night, Boy Shakira transformed into Boy Britney. Picture the Britney Spear's "Oops I Did Again" (I think is the one) with Britney as a school girl. This is what he/she done with belly rolls hanging out and everything. The audience actually gave a standing ovation,

Posted by: Mike S on July 25, 2007 8:16AM EST Morning all. Mitch - ESPN is now reporting that Furniture Row Racing is purchasing the #13 points from DEI/Ginn to garauntee Herman a spot in the field. Also, they said that Martin will remain in the 01 and run 22 races next year. Martin will also be named as the head of driver development for DEI. So, it looks like the 8 is still in play for Kyle.

Posted by: Mike S on July 25, 2007 8:20AM EST Mitch - I have to admit it, my wife and I laughed the entire performance by "britney". The Shakira stuff was just scary weird, but last night it was obvious he was doing a parody of Brit and it actually made what he was doing somewhat entertaining. Not make it to the Finals entertaining, but he did at least get the everyone laughing. For me Cas Haley and Terry Fator stole the show last night. MY top 5 last night where - Cas, Terry, Calypso Tumblers, Vocal Rock Band (forgot thier name) and Southern Girl.

Posted by: Mike S on July 25, 2007 8:25AM EST IF I had to bet, I would say the Final is going to come down to Cas Haley, The Glamazons, Terry Fator and the 14 yr old girl (forgot her name) I don't get the whole hubbub over Butterscotch. The girl has a great voice when she sings, and she showed she is an accomplished pianist -- but the making noises, and mumbling words while spitting last week was terrible.

Posted by: Mitch on July 25, 2007 8:26AM EST I will agree with you on that top 5. I was disappointed with Justin's song choice. I agree with the judges that if had picked a different song he would have been so much better. Charlotte.com (Charlotte Observer) is reporting they are still negotiating for the 8 car. Sterling Marlin is complaining that Ginn left him hanging and that he ride offers but couldn't accept because of his contract states if he drove for someone else his contract would be null and void. What part of "you are free to look for other opportunites" did Sterling not understand?

Posted by: Mike S on July 25, 2007 8:56AM EST It is Sterling's lawyers that are telling him not to take any other rides. Ginn still owes him money, and if he takes another ride the lawyers told him he will lose the rights to the money Ginn still owes him.

Posted by: Mitch on July 25, 2007 8:58AM EST That makes sense.

Posted by: Mike S on July 25, 2007 8:59AM EST Justin let me down too. His whole performance last night came off as Karaoke, and DARE I SAY IT "Cruise Ship Performer". He may squeek by into the finals, but he definately did not help himself. The Dutton's really dissappointed me too. "La Bamba"???? What in the hell were they thinking????

Posted by: Deirdre on July 25, 2007 9:18AM EST Morning! I saw the ventriloquist for the first time last night and my jaw dropped. That guy was amazing! Didn't like the Duttons much(LaBamba???? from Branson????) Like the country singer(was that Justin) but agree he picked the wrong song. I wasn't all that impressed with Southern Girl either.

Posted by: Deirdre on July 25, 2007 9:20AM EST Thought the animal act was boring, liked the rock 'band' and the tumblers. Boy Britney? NO!

Posted by: Deirdre on July 25, 2007 9:22AM EST Which one was Terry Fator?

Posted by: Mike S on July 25, 2007 9:24AM EST I think Terry has a good shot at winning the whole thing -- not only is he a top notch ventriloquist, but he is also an amazing impersonator. His first appearance he had a female puppet, and sand Etta James "At Last" flawlessly, even hit the BIG NOTES and never moved his mouth at all. His Kermit and Loius Armstrong last night were also amazing. t

Posted by: Mike S on July 25, 2007 9:24AM EST Terry is the Ventriloquist.

Posted by: Deirdre on July 25, 2007 9:27AM EST OK, then which one is Cas (sorry guys, I haven't watched enough to catch their names)

Posted by: Deirdre on July 25, 2007 9:28AM EST Sheeesh!!! I wish I'd seen the Etta James impersonation. He really impressed me last night.

Posted by: Mitch on July 25, 2007 9:28AM EST Cas is the guy that sang with a guitar and his little boy was in the audience

Posted by: Deirdre on July 25, 2007 9:29AM EST Well, darn...I must have taken the dog outside or something...I didn't see him.

Posted by: Mike S on July 25, 2007 9:40AM EST D - the Etta James skit is on You tube. Just do a search for Terry Fator or America's Got Talent.

Posted by: Mike S on July 25, 2007 9:42AM EST Cas Haley is a member of a band called Woodbelly. They have a myspace page and also thier own website. Cas has written all thier original songs. The band is more or less reggae -- very much a UB40 sound to them. I have already ordered thier CD.

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 9:45AM EST Good Morning! I finally got to watch a bit of TV last night and watched Kathy Griffin....god, I think she is hilarious! Then, I turned the channel over to the Braves game and realized they were playing the Giants and had to turn it off.

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 9:47AM EST Oh! did anyone hear that Lindsay Lohan was arrested again? (HUGE sarcasm here)

Posted by: KPH on July 25, 2007 9:49AM EST The Braves won and Barroid the Meathead Bonds didn't hit a homer the Giants are in last place with the worst record in the NL so all is right with the world of a Braves fan Kimmy!

Posted by: Deirdre on July 25, 2007 9:52AM EST Thanks, Mike...I'll go take a look. Kimmy! I tried to blame my kid Greg for getting Lindsey drunk again but he denies all involvement! :-) That girl needs a huge dose of whoop-ass! Some people like to use the word 'addiction' to excuse their own bad behavior. If she doesn't get her act together soon she's going to end up like River Phoenix.

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 9:55AM EST I agree D. I think little Miss Thang will do some jail time too. Which is probably what she needs. It seemed to help Robert Downey, Jr. after about 17 times but eventually he woke up.

Posted by: Deirdre on July 25, 2007 9:56AM EST KPH, lol! As long as Barry isn't hitting homers, I'm happy but you know and I know, that record will be broken this year. I feel bad for Hank Aaron. He's always said that he knew his record would be broken but to have someone under such a big cloud break it is just sad.

Posted by: Deirdre on July 25, 2007 9:58AM EST kimmy, I love Robert Downy Jr but I had just about had it with his behavior. I was so relieved to see him finally get his act together. He had a LOT of support...the powers that be apparently love him. Lindsey is just about to hit the bottom of that slippery slope. maybe she'll wake up with a little jail time...then again, maybe she WANTS the jail time...it didn't seem to hurt Ms Hilton.

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 10:05AM EST oh yeah! the "I've changed, and want to build a half-way house for women convicts--oh wait! i need to party some more and show my coochie to the media first!", Hilton? I think her situation and Lindsay's are a bit different. I think Lindsay needs some serious help that 12 days in a part-time rehab facility won't fix.

Posted by: RC on July 25, 2007 10:06AM EST I agree D. Hammerin' Hank was another of my boyhood idols. I used to go watch him when you could pay $6-8 to get in and sit right behind the dugout....I hate to see the record broken under the circumstances. RC

Posted by: Mike S on July 25, 2007 10:10AM EST HUGE TRADE RUMOR MAKING THE ROUNDS OF ALL THE SPORTS NETS Rumor is that the Braves and Rangers are close to a mage-deal. Rangers get Jerrod Saltalamacchia, Jo-Jo Reyes, Elvis Andrus Braves get Mark Texiera and Kevin Millwood.

Posted by: Deirdre on July 25, 2007 10:15AM EST Just got back from Youtube(why do I feel like Diane...where is she anyway) Terry Fator is amazing and I usually hate ventriloquists. RC...my older son used to collect Hank's baseball cards. He'd spend all his birthday money and all his chores money on those cards. He wrote reports about him at school at least 3 years in a row. If he had ever met the man, I think he would have passed out! I know Hank has been called grouchy and rude but he went through hell while he was in the process of breaking Babe's record and you can't blame him for being very wary of people. Barry is going through a little bit of hell, too but for a totally different reason.

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 10:20AM EST WHY are we getting rid of Salty? I don't know Texiera and it would be cool getting Millwood back but, why in the hell are we not shipping Mike "Bob Hope" Hampton off? That guy has been useless since he stepped in Atl. IMO

Posted by: flat screen on July 25, 2007 10:23AM EST Good morning everyone...Mitch and Mike,Thanks for the Nascar info...interesting developments happening after Jr announced he was going to hendrick...Ginn racing brings alot of $ to the table.DEI could be really strong in a few years.

Posted by: RC on July 25, 2007 10:34AM EST I'd like to see that one happen Mike S......bad to see Salty go , but it'd be great to have an establised 1st baseman that could play 3rd when Chipper retires.

Posted by: Mike S on July 25, 2007 10:36AM EST KImmy No one would take Hampton if they even tried to trade him. He is stuck until he comes back from the arm surgery. Mark Texeira is a stud First Baseman who is signed through next season for Less than Andruw makes, and Tex is a better hitter than Andruw (same power numbers plus a .300 ave). tex also went to Ga tech so it is possible that he might sign long term with Atlanta. Tex is 27 and in only his 5th Major League season : 2003 26HR 84 RBI .259 2004 38HR 112RBI .281 2005 43HR 144RBI .301 2006 33HR 110RBI .281 So far this season he is hitting .300 with 13HR 48RBI and that is with him missing the entire month of June with a Strained Hip Flexor.

Posted by: flat screen on July 25, 2007 10:36AM EST Good question for the Braves fans out there.....is Andew Jones worth 20 million a year with his massive 219 batting average?

Posted by: flat screen on July 25, 2007 10:38AM EST Hello....anyone out there?

Posted by: Mike S on July 25, 2007 10:39AM EST Flats - Andruw is worth $20 Mill for someone else in my Opinion. If he would resign with the Braves for what he is making now he would be worth it, but not $20 Mil. he is still one of the best, if not the best, Defensive outfielders in baseball -- but until someone can get through that granite skull of his about hitting properly he is becoming a liability at the plate.

Posted by: Deirdre on July 25, 2007 10:39AM EST There's always that fine line between what a player IS doing and what he's CAPABLE of doing. Andruw is that kind of player. some years he's irreplaceable and some years he needs to sit on the bench.

Posted by: RC on July 25, 2007 10:41AM EST D, I ain't got no beef with Hank that's for sure....I used to think he complained too much, but when I actually saw some of the stuff he went through and some of the letters he received, well.......what really cemented him in as a person I'd always respect is when he actually went to bat for John Rocker. Hank showed me something there. He didn't have to try to help the biggot, but he did anyway. As a kid, I liked Hank so much, I tried to use his methods playing baseball....I can remember him telling things like how he gripped the bat, etc....of course I had to try..... In a way I feel bad for Bonds. He was already a really good player...and of course I have no idea just how much performance enhancing drugs have helped him.....it's just too bad it's happened like it has....guess that's a debate for another day.......:-) RC

Posted by: flat screen on July 25, 2007 10:42AM EST I agree...He needs to go!

Posted by: Deirdre on July 25, 2007 10:45AM EST Agree with you, RC...even about Bonds. Have to hit the road for one of mom's endless Doctor visits. Back soon!

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 10:46AM EST Well, if we get Tex that would be an asset, that's for sure. But, I'm an Andruw supporter--I think he is an outstanding centerfielder and is average at bat. Sure, it would be awesome if he was a consistant heavy hitter but, I for one would hate to see him go.

Posted by: KPH on July 25, 2007 10:48AM EST I dont know about that trade Mike. Millwood is 7 and 8with a 5.58 ERA ths season however he does play on a sorry team and gets little run support. Texiera is having a solid season again and has 2 silver slugger awards as well as 2 gold gloves but I think Salty is too good a prospect to give up at this point. I know we need another Starter in the rotation but I dont want to see them give up some top prospects to get a pitcher who is possibly in the twilight of his career. Reyes shows some good potential also. Hmmm I just dont know about that trade.

Posted by: flat screen on July 25, 2007 10:49AM EST Good morning KPH!

Posted by: Mitch on July 25, 2007 10:51AM EST Hey all. Just got back from meetings.

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 10:53AM EST Morning Mitchy! is it me ya'll or is this week dragging by?

Posted by: flat screen on July 25, 2007 10:53AM EST Have I done something wrong?,and dont know about it.

Posted by: KPH on July 25, 2007 10:58AM EST Morning Flats hows things in Spartanburg the home of the Great Marshall Tucker Band! Which I hear lost another member recently. I guess that leaves Doug Gray as the only one left. :-( As they say only the good die young.

Posted by: flat screen on July 25, 2007 11:01AM EST Spartanburg will do for now...yep he was buried right down the street from me.

Posted by: Mitch on July 25, 2007 11:02AM EST It has been a SL OOO OOOWW week. I am taking Friday off. Have to get an early start on the birthday celebration. Flats, you have been almost good. Nothing wrong that I know of.

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 11:05AM EST Your birthday Mitchy?

Posted by: RC on July 25, 2007 11:08AM EST I'm an Andrew fan too Kimmy, but I believe he's gone after this year....somebody will give him more than the Braves. Andrew has already shown his loyalty to the team and the city in previous contracts....you would think it would be time for the Braves to return the favor?

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 11:14AM EST you would think RC but, when you have corporations running things they don't seem to care about loyalty unfortuantely.

Posted by: Mitch on July 25, 2007 11:14AM EST It's Sunday. Planning to go to Carowinds on Friday and my parents are coming Sunday to grill out.

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 11:16AM EST UGH! did ya'll see the giant squid that is invading Californina pictures? BLECH! That freaks me out on so many different levels....how would you like to see that giant eyeball staring at you while you're swimming?

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 11:18AM EST Well, Happy Birthday!!!!! I hope you have a good time! I was almost in your neck of the woods this weekend Mitch but I couldn't work out the time away from work since I was just on vacation.

Posted by: linnykat on July 25, 2007 11:25AM EST hey gang.... sorry i've been slow in greeting y'all today.... just can't seem to get motivated here... next week i'm in tampa all week, not sure if i'll try to get on my sister's computer or not... i need the break from rest of the world i think (read that "hubby, kids, job, athens....")

Posted by: Mitch on July 25, 2007 11:26AM EST Thanks. I'm getting to the age...OK OK I passed that age...when you don't celebrate 'em quite as much. This will be the first year in about 10 years I have been able to celebrate it with my parents. We are grilling Filet Mignon.

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 11:33AM EST you've been missed Linny! good for you Mitch, i figure celebrating birthdays is better than the alternative:) break out some champagne or wine and toast it up! I still can't believe I'm going to be **coughcoughcough37coughcoughcough** this year. I still feel like I'm in high school most days!

Posted by: linnykat on July 25, 2007 11:33AM EST no wonder i love ya Mitch.... my Daddy's birthday is tuesday, so the Lion in you must be what does it *grin* seriously, happy birthday early in case i forget later.... (careful... "old age" will make you forget things... that you wish you could remember.... and remember things you wish you'd forgotten!)

Posted by: Mitch on July 25, 2007 11:36AM EST Kimmy, instead of saying I would be celebrating my 44th, I would say I am celebrating the 17th anniversary of my 27th. I definately don't feel that age but sometimes I look in the mirror and wonder why my dad is looking back at me.

Posted by: Mitch on July 25, 2007 11:38AM EST linny, that started the day I turned 21 but then I called it selective memory. Now it is not as selective.

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 11:41AM EST LOL!!! good one Mitch:) Lions are good people....I'm married to one:) I happen to be the virgin....I'll leave now while ya'll laugh that one out!lol...

Posted by: Mike S on July 25, 2007 11:41AM EST Don't feel bad Kimmy I just turned 46 in May ..... but the good news is I don't feel a day over 60.

Posted by: Mike S on July 25, 2007 11:42AM EST The way my wife decribes me -- I am 46, feel 56, look 36, think I am 26 and act 16. So I got em all covered!!!

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 11:49AM EST LOL!! all covered Mike:)

Posted by: Mitch on July 25, 2007 11:52AM EST My mom does not look old enough to have a son my age. She will be 61 in September and can pass for 50 and has more energy than most 40 somethings I know. since she can pass for 10 years younger, we have decided that we will go along with that. So we usually tell people when we are together that i am 10 years younger. I mean, she is my mother, she knows when i was born, right?

Posted by: KPH on July 25, 2007 11:53AM EST Happy Birthday Mitch! Which one will this be?

Posted by: KPH on July 25, 2007 11:55AM EST Oops Mitch I was slow to post that last one. Happy 44th kido. LOL!

Posted by: flat screen on July 25, 2007 12:16PM EST :-(

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 12:18PM EST why are you sad Flats?

Posted by: flat screen on July 25, 2007 12:24PM EST Bad day at the office....I miss Marietta,Ga......i grew up in East Cobb County...i was just reading the Marietta Daily Journal on line...mad me sad.....that place was a great 23 years of my life!

Posted by: on July 25, 2007 12:28PM EST i feel ya! i was in Ga. for 22 years and i miss most of it too....especially my parents, family and friends. plus, i'm cold most of the time.

Posted by: Mitch on July 25, 2007 12:31PM EST It is hard being away from "home", I left NC in 96 and went north. This southern boy was not meant to live in Yankee Land. I made it to Atlanta in 98. I loved it there but it still was not home. I went to Dallas in 04 and as soon as I could get a transfer back I hightailed it back to NC. For me and so many others, there is no place like home.

Posted by: Mitch on July 25, 2007 12:31PM ES