NFL worthy?

I'm currently smack-dab in the middle of another NFL Sunday, and while I'm pretty pleased with the results of games and my fantasy players' stats so far, I haven't seen anything like this yet...

Morgan State's Edwin Baptiste made a ridiculous one-handed catch on a pass from quarterback Carlton Jackson during this weekend's game against Winston-Salem State. The Bears defeated the Rams 21-7.

You should probably watch this more than once. And get another look at it on ESPN's E:60 this Tuesday at 6 p.m. Pretty sick.




[UPDATE] Big ups to New Jersey - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have been announced as the main halftime performance at the 2009 Super Bowl. The game will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Sunday, Feb. 1 and air on NBC. The news came during halftime of tonight's Eagles/Bears game on NBC.

Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds marry

Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds married today in Canada, sources say.

Us Weekly reported on its Web site Sunday that the small wedding took place at a resort outside Vancouver, British Columbia. Guests included Scarlett's mother, Melanie Sloan, and her brother, Adrian Johansson, the magazine said.

Johansson, on whom I have a huge girl-crush, and Reynolds began dating last year and announced their engagement in May. This is the first marriage for both celebs.

Reynolds had been in a four-year relationship with singer Alanis Morrissette, who has reportedly wished her ex well. Johansson has previously been linked to Derek Jeter, Benicio del Toro, Jared Leto, Justin Timberlake and "Black Dhalia" co-star Josh Hartnett. Daaaamn, what a list. But Ryan Reynolds is hot, too, so kudos to them. Can't wait for the beautiful babies!

RIP Paul Newman

Sorry, I'm a little late on this...

Actor Paul Newman has died pf cancer at the age of 83.

He died Friday in his home in Westport, Conn, according to spokeswoman Marni Tomljanovic.

Newman appeared in classic films such as "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Exodus," "The Hustler," "Cool Hand Luke," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting" and "The Verdict." He won an Oscar in 1986 for "The Color of Money."

In 1982, Newman and his friend A.E. Hotchner founded Newman's Own, a food company that produced food ranging from pasta sauces to salad dressing to chocolate chip cookies.

"The embarrassing thing is that the salad dressing is outgrossing my films," Newman once wryly noted.

My family and I used the Newman's Own Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette on our salads last night as a tribute.

Click here to read what some celebs are saying about the late Newman.

Newman is survived by his wife, Joanne Woodward, and five children.

You're still their best seller

In the beginning...

[Milestone alert] Today marks the one-year anniversary of The Jerc Store!

Thank you to everyone who has visited, commented and made content suggestions over the last 12 months. It's been fun for me and hopefully you'll stick with me for the next 12!

I'm singing M-to the-C-to the M-to the A...

After years of sidekicking the "Tonight Show," making children's dreams come true on "Star Search" and delivering those big ass Publisher's Clearing House checks to small towners, Ed McMahon now plans to spread the love as a rapper for FreecCreditReport.com.

Think of it as his own personl bailout plan...

McMahon, who recently revealed he was fighting foreclosure after falling $644,000 behind on mortgage payments on his Beverly Hills home, will be featured wearing a tracksuit, being chauffeured around LA in a Cadillac Escalade golf cart and spitting lyrics about his very public financial troubles.

"When I retired, I was famous/I had money and glory/ I bought a house for 6 mill/I thought nothing could touch me/ Until my credit went south, and debt started to crunch me/ Next thing I know, instead of playing gin rummy, I was scrambling just to make ends meet/It wasn't funny," so the rap goes.

The spots will appear in two viral videos, set to be released online in October.

Charles Harris, FreeCreditReport.com's vice president of strategic marketing, said the company sought out McMahon to star in the humorous spots after seeing him openly discuss his finances on "Larry King Live." Harris said McMahon represents "a man who is taking charge."

I think it's brilliant. Does anyone remember when FreeCreditReport.com's old commercials just had a lady singing "Freeee credit report dot com!" and that was it? Probably not because they were lame. Women are crooning over the indie boys in the new commercials and people everywhere can't get the songs out of their heads. I'm sure these new ones will be no exception. The Web site even has the "As seen on TV" logo on its mainpage. Talk about hamming it up.

This one is my fav.

NKOTB alert

As reported back in January, the New Kids on the Block are back and--well, I wouldn't say better than ever, but they're...older?

NKOTB apparently released a single and video a few months ago for "Summertime," which apparently fell under my radar, but I was 'fortunate' enough to catch their new video yesterday morning on VH1. The single is called, "Single" (creative), and features Ne-Yo. See below.



The Kids--now like, borderline middle-aged men--are also taking a big risk by going live this Sunday for "New Kids on the Block: A Behind the Music Special Event."

The special will start at 8pm and stick to the normal BTM format with old photos and interviews recapping the band's history. The cameras will follow Joey, Jordan, Donnie, Jon and Danny step by step as they get ready to perform at the TD Banknorth Garden in their home town of Boston, and we'll get a chance to see the first three songs of NKOTB's tour.

RELATED LINKS
Bringing the 'Right Stuff' back to the block

Mmm, free fatty food...

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love free things. You probably do, too. And really, is there anyone on the face of Earth (dieting or not) who doesn't love ice cream? That's why you should probably check out your local Cold Stone Creamery tonight.


The ice cream shoppe is holding it's 7th annual "World's Largest Ice Cream Social" to support the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Throughout September, Cold Stone has and will continue to sell M-A-W wall stars to raise money.

Tonight, from 5-8 p.m., guests will receive a free, 3-ounce serving of either of the store's two new sundaes: Jack's Creation or Emily's Creation, created by two Wish children.

Jack's flavor is marshmallow-based with Oreos, chocolate chips and fudge. Emily's is Nutter Butter-based ice cream with white chocolate chips, KIT KAT bars and yellow cake bits. Sounds good to me!

Click here to find a Cold Stone Creamery near you. You might as well check it out - it's not every day you get the chance to get delicious, overpriced ice cream for free!

Baby mama ain't Obama!

I promised to steer clear of the politics during election season, but this isn't too partisan and it's too good not to share...

Do you wish your mom were running for president of the United States? Better yet, do you long for siblings named Trig or Bristol??

Well, now you can find out what your name would be if you were the offspring of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin by clicking here, the Sarah Palin Baby Namer!

My name would be Rifle Panzer Palin - I think that's got a nice ring to it. Try it out - let me know what you get!

NYC Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

NOTE: This is a special guest feature from my aspiring fashionista bff, Rachel--a student at Parsons. She had the incredible chance to be a part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this year, and I stalked her down to write about it.

I received the opportunity to go to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City; my Public Relations teacher at Parson’s School of Design is head of Public Relations for IMG Fashion. This year, she allowed the students in her class to attend the festivities if they were able to get there. Was I able to get there? Let’s just say after 10 hours, one fashionable outfit and one huge lie to the company I work for, I was there.

After an anxious bus ride and 30 minutes of traffic outside of Lincoln Tunnel, I arrived at the bus terminal around 11:15 a.m. I immediately ran to a Starbucks for an iced vanilla soy latte (soooo New York) so I could get my energy level up for my big day.

Around 12:25pm, I was caffeinated and approaching the tents at Bryant Park. I have to admit that I got a little choked up when I saw the entrance to the tents.

When I arrived, there were paparazzi, camera crews, reporters, journalists, body guards and tourists snapping away with their cameras. My teacher told me --via phone conversation-- to approach the body guard to let me in--Because she is a VIP (ooh la la), they gave me no problems and I was let through the crowds.

When I got inside, I met up with another student from my class and we were greeted by my teacher’s assistant. My teacher had to be at a lunch for Saks 5^th Avenue. What a terrible life she has.

The atrium of Fashion Week was unlike anything I’ve ever seen--gorgeous displays from all of the high-end sponsors, a full service bar, camera crews, important people in the fashion industry...

My teacher’s assistant took us on a tour. Words cannot even describe how amazing it was to see all of the action behind the scenes. I got to see where all the collections are stored, where models get their hair and makeup done and the lounge where celebrities hang out before and after the shows. It was amazing to see how much work is put into this week long celebration of fashion.

At the end of our tour, my teacher’s assistant told us that we would have the chance to attend the Rebecca Taylor fashion show that was about to start. If there were an award for biggest inner freak out moment, I would have won. She escorted us into a giant room and directed us toward the standing room section behind all of the seats. Even from our spot, we could see everything.

But a few minutes before the show, the room was getting crowded; almost all of the seats were taken and it was started to get cramped in the standing room area. Suddenly, an usher pointed to me and the girl from my class and told us to come forward. We did as we were told, only to find out that we were going to be filling two seats in the third row.

I was sitting directly behind the celebrities in the first row including (from left to right):
Rashida Jones, Leven Rambin, Alexie Gilmore, Mena Suvari, Simone Sestito, Mark Indelicato, Veronica Webb and Bijou Phillips. (Note: That green arrow is Rachel)

The show was completely amazing and Rebecca really demonstrated a glamorous, bohemian chic vibe in her collection. Her use of pattern and color were eye-catching and girlie and her silhouettes were very feminine with delicate details. Although she is not a big-name designer, from what I saw, she definitely deserves more recognition within the industry. I would buy these clothes any day (if I had money).

After attending Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, I can attest that I am truly inspired by the entire process of fashion and it’s impact on the world. I just wish that I had Jess with me to experience it all! (Thanks, Rachie!!!)

Creme Boob-lee?

Ben and Jerry's is known for being environmentally friendly and using organic ingredients, so the people at PETA are thinking that the ice cream company should take being organic to the next level...

PETA urges Ben and Jerry's to use human milk

PETA officials say a move to human breast milk would lessen the suffering of dairy cows and their babies on factory farms and benefit human health. PETA officials say "breast is best!"

Something tells me that wouldn't do too much good for their sales...

Clay is gay - sounds like a nice nursery rhyme?

[Breaking news] Clay Aiken is gay.

...Wait, really?? I'm not trying to make light of this--I just legitimately thought he had come out like, three years ago.

Aiken apparently comes out on on the latest cover of People magazine, holding his infant son, Parker Foster Aiken. The headline reads, "Yes, I'm Gay," with the quote: "I cannot raise a child to lie or hide things."

The baby's mother is Aiken's friend and record producer Jaymes Foster.

This is nowhere near as shocking --or as devastating-- as finding out in 2006 that Lance Bass was gay. Or is gay. Whatever. You know what I mean.

UPDATE Lindsay Lohan is jumping on the orient(ation) express - she admitted this week that she has in fact been dating friend Samantha Ronson for "a very long time." Another not-so-shocking announcement: The media has been covering this for months, but whatev. Good for them. (Thanks, Dave.)

Not sure if I'll give this one a 'chance'

VH1 recently announced its fall line-up, and no one loves a reality television-packed week more than I, but I think the network should probably give up on the "I Love xyz" brand.

Ex-"I Love New York" stars Real and Chance --aka the Stallionaire brothers-- will have their own reality dating show premiere Nov. 3 on VH1.

According to the Celebreality blog, "Real Chance of Love" will feature the "broken-hearted" brothers searching for love on the Stallionaire ranch. The 15 girls will vy for the guy's affections, and because the show is slated for 11 episodes, I imagine Chance and Real will be faced with two women each in the finale.

At first I was like, "Oh, this is awkward. How will they decide which goes for which girls?" And then I remembered that it wasn't less than two years ago that they were both fighting over the same, sassy lady in awkward fashion. I hope this does better than "Flavor of Love 3," because I'm pretty sure that tanked.

In other news, "Rock of Love: Charm School" will premiere Oct. 12. I'm stoked. I can't wait to see the return of Heather, Lacey, Kristi Joe and Brandi M drama.

...I think my brain is rotting.

A fond farewell - take two

As a follow up to my last post, I wanted to get some of my pictures up from Saturday's game. I also just want to say that the tribute to the Stadium that aired on ESPN Sunday night was extremely touching. Praise the Lord that Bernie Williams --my favorite player of all-time-- was in attendance (and he got a bigger ovation than Reg-gie!)

I found close to nothing wrong with the entire thing; my one gripe: WHERE THE HELL WAS JOE TORRE? I understand maybe snubbing Roger Clemens because of his steroid scandal, but to me, Joe Torre is as much of a Yankee legend as Derek Jeter. I know they didn't part on the best terms, but come on...

Anyway, back to happier thoughts...Here are just a few of my pics. (I took like, 110). These were by far the greatest seats I've ever had to any game; we were so close I felt like I was watching a township little league game.

Mo signing autographs

The Captain

Arod

Yankees win, thhhhhhhe YANKEES WIN!

A fond farewell

Sorry I've been MIA this weekend - After an "interesting" Friday night (for lack of better description and to save you all the drama), I spent my entire Saturday in New York, the bulk of which was spent at the Yankee's second to last home game --and last day game-- in Yankee Stadium EVER.

And thanks to my boyfriend (who got me the tickets in July for my birthday), our seats were freaking incredible.

The Bronx Bombers did not disappoint: Robinson Cano with the game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth gave Mariano Rivera the win and had Frank Sinatra crooning, "Start spreading the news..." for the next 45 minutes. On repeat. And I loved every second of it.

Tonight at 8 p.m., you can tune in to ESPN to watch the Yankees play their final game in the House That Ruth Built. The pre-game (going on right now), features Yankee greats like Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Joe Girardi, Don Larsen and more.

Pictures from my awesome seats will be up soon!

Cells stunt semen

While some studies are looking at cell phones' effect on brain cells, this one is testing the testes.

Men, beware:
Your phone is cooking your balls!

Poehler peacing out

The writing on "SNL" is so terrible these days that it was only a matter of time before leading funny woman called it quits: Amy Poehler tells the new issue of Men's Vogue that she is leaving the show after the November elections.

If you caught this weekend's episode hosted by Michael Phelps, you may have noticed Poehler sporting more than just a baby bump --she's due this fall-- but that's not her only reason for getting out.

"It's gonna be really hard Boyz II Men hard to say goodbye to yesterday. SNL was dangerous, late-night, last-minute and star-studded, but like any good drug, you need to know when to put it down." - Amy Poehler.

The actress says she plans to be involved in some way with the mysterious "Office" spinoff, but there aren't too many details available on that.

Good for Poehler: Other than Weekend Update, that show has been a sinking ship. It did, however, generate a lot of buzz this weekend after Poehler teamed up with her "Baby Mama" co-star, Tina Fey, for an on-point Hillary Clinton and Tina Fey parady. So here's the clip in honor of Poehler's smart career move!

Oops-skee

Follow me on my train of thought here:

I was looking at pictures from a weekend bar outing my friends and I went on this weekend, and I started thinking about what we used to do for social gatherings before we were old enough to drink: go to the mall, the movies, Friendly's (ew)--hey, whatever happened to going to Chuck-E-Cheese?

The pizza that always looked better on TV than it did in front of you, the person who had to dress up as the rat mascot (I knew someone who had to do that when she worked there in college) and--of course--playing Skee Ball. That game was the shit, right?

I remember one time I got my fingers slammed by a ball that was returning down that slot, but I think that's as far as my Skee Ball injuries extend; the little boy in this video, however, isn't so lucky, and unfortunately for him, he's not getting too much sympathy from the man taking the video.



And either that girl had it in for that cute little kid or she just really sucks at Skee Ball and can't keep it in her lane.

Gimme an O! Gimme an L! Gimme a D!

A mother in Wisconsin has been charged with stealing the identity of her 15-year-old daughter to attend high school and join the cheerleading squad.

Wendy Brown, 33, faces a felony identity theft charge after enrolling in Ashwaubenon High School as her daughter, who lives in Nevada with Brown's mother.

The woman attended practices with the cheerleading squad, got her own locker and even went to a pool party at the coach's house.

She must have a smoking hot body to pass for a 15-year-old at 33, eh? Don't frown, Wendy - that's something to cheer about!

A school liaison officer started investigating after Brown only attended the first day of classes last week and a $134.50 check Brown wrote to purchase the cheerleading uniform bounced, the complaint said.

An employee at the school said that Brown seemed timid and even cried when she talked about moving from a school in Nevada. She said that while Brown looked older than a student, she behaved like one.

According to a complaint filed against her, Brown wanted to get her high school degree and become a cheerleader because she didn't have a childhood and wanted to regain a part of her life that she'd missed.

The wannabe cheerleader appeared in court Friday. The judge set bond at $8,000. If convicted, Brown could be shaking her pom-poms in prison for up to six years and face a $10,000 fine. She also apparently has a history of identity theft, according to Brown's mother.

Have we been Punk'd?

Oscar award winner Jennifer Hudson is engaged...to Tiffany "New York" Pollard's leftovers!

Hudson's boyfriend of less than a year, David "Punk" Otunga, popped the question with Neil Lane diamond ring Friday in Los Angeles.

The proposal came on the Dreamgirl's 27th birthday.

Punk was a contestant on the second season of VH1's "I Love New York." He lasted 10 episodes, getting booted by New York before only "Buddha" and the season's winner, "Tailor Made."

In Hudson's defense, David --a Harvard grad and lawyer-- was definitely the most eligible bachelor of the bunch. Sadly, it seems as though Punk has fallen into the ex-reality star routine, as evidenced by his lame song, "Rock Out With Punk," on his MySpace page. I thought he was better than that, but hey, at least now he can ride the coattails of a woman with talent.

In a world...where books have faces...

Coming soon to a theater near you...Facebook:The Movie.


Sony confirmed to InternetNews.com that a movie about Facebook is in the works, and that Aaron Sorkin, writer of The West Wing, will be writing the picture for Sony producer Scott Rudin (No Country for Old Men).

The social networking site, which entertains more than 100 million users, has not agreed to cooperate with any film project, according to a rep, but it's "flattered" by the interest.

The plotline won't be some boy-meets-girl on Facebook drama, but rather a look at Facebook's humble--and controversial--beginnings. Harvard alumni magazine 02138 reported the film would be an adaptation of Ben Mezrich's upcoming book, Face Off (working title), which depicts allegations that Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg stole his Harvard classmates' idea and source code from the site ConnectU (then HarvardConnection).

Sorkin created a Facebook page to get more acquainted with the site.

"I figured a good first step in my preparation would be finding out what Facebook is, so I've started this page. (Actually it was started by my researcher, Ian Reichbach, because my grandmother has more Internet savvy than I do and she's been dead for 33 years.)" - The Aaron Sorkin and Facebook Movie page.

I think someone should also let Mr. Sorkin know how God-awful the "new" Facebook is, by the way.

And speaking of Facebook...click the box on the left-hand toolbar to become a fan of The Jerc Store on Facebook. (Shameless self promotion, yes indeedy!)

"You always miss a best friend"

Good thing tonight's half-hour of "The Hills" coincided with halftime of the Cowboys/Eagles game, or else I would have been mad I missed an exciting football game for a pretty pathetic episode.

As the promos promised, Holly spends some time with her sister's sworn enemy after Heidi and (of course) Spencer express some dissatisfaction with the whole situation. Lauren's skeptical about spending more time with Holly because she doesn't want to cause more problems like she did while hanging out with Spencer's sister.

Back in the Hills' house, things are suddenly rainbows and sunshine with Lauren, Lo and Audrina - I'm sure all that prior drama wasn't scripted at all. The girls head out to Audrina's work function, which -- um, Audrina works? I guess they needed to switch up the scenery a bit; splicing subtitles over dark nightclub scenes probably got a bit old for the production crew.

Justin Bobby bails. Audrina complains about how he doesn't show her he cares. This all is soooo last season. Moving on...

Heidi has lunch with her co-worker and we get a glipse of creative editing at its finest: While Heidi is reminiscing about her friendship with Lauren, LC is simultaneously admitting to Stephanie that she misses being with Heidi because, well, predictably, "You always miss a best friend."

Tonight's ep was a yawn-fest in my opinion, but it seems like stuff's gonna hit the fan next week when Lauren travels to Italy, leaving Stephanie the opportunity to move in on Doug. I guess when the Cheshire Cat's away, the former drug addicts will play.

The next round of my 'Hills' drinking game:

• Every time you hear, "three musketeers" or "best friend."
  
• After every mention of an artist you've never heard of and their new music you don't care about.
• During any mention of nipple piercings.
  
• Whenever Holly is bland (pace yourself).
  
• Whenever you almost wish Spencer was in the episode more because these broads are putting you to sleep.
  

RELATED LINKS
Back in 'The Hills'
"Drama follows them"
Boys make girls cry and something's gotta change

D-d-d-did you watch it?

If a glowing piece of the radical rock was something you dreamed of when you were younger, Nickelodeon is giving you another chance to make that dream come true.

"My Family's Got GUTS," a family version of the popular 1990s game show, premiered tonight on Nick. Contestants compete in events similar to the original GUTS, including the basketball "Sky Slam," a football throwing competition and a soccer ball scoring battle.

And of course, we get a glimps of the trademark Aggro Crag - intimidating as ever.

The show will run weeknights at 8 p.m. starting tonight (Monday) until Friday, Sept. 26. The series is comprised of two, 11-episode tournaments, each of which includes an hour-long finale and a half-hour special. This season's finale will air Saturday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.

Unfortunately, MFGG took a backseat to tonight's episode of "Gossip Girl" (my crack in television form), but I did manage to catch a few minutes of it during CW commercial breaks...

Props to Nickelodeon for revitalizing one of the greatest shows in the station's history--especially amidst a period of what I consider comparatively lackluster children's programming--but nothing is ever going to live up to the good ole' GUTS days.

This new host, Ben Lyons, can't hold a candle to Michael O'Malley's enthusiasm (and oddly enough Lyons is the new host of the popular critic show "At the Movies"). And Nickelodeon actually had the audacity to bring in a judge with a funny accent who's not Moira Quirk ("Let's go to Mo - MO!").

Maybe I'm just hating a little bit because my family is too old to go on the show now, as is likely the case for most of the original GUTS viewing audience. Watch the clip below. Seriously - how badly did you want to go on this show when you were younger? I remember screaming at the stupid kids who missed an actuator and yelling about how badly I would own them if only I were given the opportunity to try out...



Thanks, Dave!

No-no for Zambrano

[BREAKING NEWS] Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano has just thrown a no-hitter.

Zambrano, who had not pitched since Sept. 2 due to "arm fatigue," struck out 10 and walked one in a 5-0 win over the Houston Astros.

It was the Cubs' first no-hitter since Milt Pappas on Sept. 2, 1972, and the second no-no of the 2008 MLB season: Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester threw a no-hitter back in May.

The Cubs were technically the visiting team, but the event seemed more like a home game as it was played in front of 23,000 fans at Milwaukee's Miller Park after Hurricane Ike forced the series out of Houston.

Guess ESPN picked the wrong game for Sunday Night Baseball tonight, eh?

RELATED LINKS
No-no for Lester

9/11 remembered

It's hard to believe it's been seven years since Sept. 11, 2001, but America will never forget.
Send good thoughts and prayers to those affected by the 9/11 tragedy and God Bless America!

A Nation Remembers

Don't want these panties in a bunch...

I've written a few entries on crazy eBay auctions, but this one is by far the most wacko: The King of Pop's panties will be up for sale Thursday, according to Page Six.

And they're not just any panties--they're the same unwashed, tighty-whities used as evidence in Wacko Jacko's child molestation case. That's not disgusting at all...

The size-28 Calvin Klein white briefs will be sold at a reserve price of $1 million. The unwashed undies were confiscated in 2003 to obtain a DNA sample, and are part of Jackson artifacts offered by New Jersey businessman Henry Vacarro, who obtained them in a bankruptcy case. The panties come sealed in an evidence bag and wrapped with police tape.

Also being sold are Jackson's handwritten note explaining why he wanted an annulment from Lisa Marie Presley and a used half-ounce tube of skin-bleaching cream--why? I don't know. But you should probably spend your life savings on it.

RELATED LINKS
Like something out of 'Thriller'
Taking it to 'the tart'
Desperately seeking bridesmaid
Baby for sale!
Boobs from a boob
Spears sock stunt stinks