The Fast Lane

TINA FEY'S MYSTERY REVEALED!

2008-12-01T17:35:00.000-08:00

I remember one day last year, while looking at a picture of Tina Fey in a magazine, I noticed a fairly large scar in the left side of her face and asked my co-worker, "What is that scar from?" He looked at me baffled, dismayed - as if I had asked why Madonna still has a tooth gap - widely known questions that have no answers.

"It is the mystery that will never be solved," he explained, at which point he brought me over to his computer and showed pictures of Tina Fey, almost all which are taken of the right side of her face. He then showed me websites dedicated to unearthing the secrets of the Tina Fey scar.

My personal favorite is The Tina Fey Scar Detective, a website that describes itself as the following: "Tina Fey's Scar. A mystery. For some, an obsession. There are more questions than answers. If you crave information regarding Tina Fey's scar, you have come to the right place. This site is dedicated to providing all available information. The truth is out there. Maybe."

Well today, questions have been answered. Truth has been revealed. In a Vanity Fair article, Tina Fey's husband explains the mystery saying that a stranger slashed her face when she was 5 years-old outside of her house. How brutal and traumatic!

However, for those fascinated with the scar's existence and its mystery, fear not. There are still many questions to be unearthed - Who was this brutal stranger? Were they caught? Why did this happen? Did Tina ever get revenge? Will these questions find answers? ... The truth is out there. Maybe.

ANDERSON GETS WET WITH PHELPS

2008-12-01T17:15:00.000-08:00

This why Anderson Cooper is one of my favorite anchors - from his impeccable reporting in New Orleans to taking off his clothes and challenging Michael Phelps to a swimming duel, its never boring. He can report on anything and it will be magic. Mark my words, if Anderson's on TV, I'll watch it.

Not sure what I like better, his Kenny Chesney interview or his recent Michael Phelps one. Andersonnnnn, you are my hero.

IT'S BACK!

2008-11-30T11:36:00.000-08:00

Thank you ESPN for bringing back bowling!

I'm not sure what I love watching better on ESPN - it's a tough call between spelling bees or bowling. (The hotdog eating contests aren't my thing).

People ask me why I like sports so much and it really all started when I was 2 years-old and my dad would tape bowling tournaments on TV and we'd watch them together. I loved it! Not much has changed.

Here are 10 reasons to love bowling on ESPN:

1. The uniforms haven't changed much since the 70's.

2. It's the only sport where you can legitimately watch a guy throw a perfect strike and think, "Ha, I've totally done that." How many times can you say that after a Lebron James dunk?

3. It's the only sport where the Champion has to bum a ride to the airport from his competitor. Seriously? No car service for Wes Malott? He's the Champion! He killed Kenny Simard in a grueling bloodfest on the lanes and now he has to bum a ride!!! This is blasphemy! (I'm not making this up either. Malott told the announcers Simard was giving him a ride. No joke.)

4. Commentary includes statements like, "One reason I like Feldman is that she says she loves Chinese food. Not enough people like Chinese food. Gotta get some P.F. Changs before a title game."

5. It is the only sport where a 200 lb woman can compete against a 120 lb woman. (nothing wrong with that but I'm just saying ...)

6. ESPN showed the championship live!

7. It's emotional. Michelle Feldman after winning: "I have no words for this right now. I have no words. It's an unbelievable feeling."

8. Unlike college football, the actual top two players face each other in the championship.
(The top 10 women bowled nine games of round-robin match play on Friday and the top two advanced to Sunday's live championship. On the men's side, the top 32 men bowled nine games of round-robin match play, then the top 16 play another nine games and the top four advanced to Sunday's final)

9. Bowling Championships give Bowl Games a run for "Best Named Game." Not sure what's better - "The CLR Carmen Salvino Scorpion Championship" or Bowl Games like the "PapaJohns.com Bowl." (So they got cleaner CLR to sponsor them but they couldn't they find a car service sponsor?)

10. The competitors take the game very seriously, which makes you question all those bowling alley birthday parties when you were a kid and your mom told you, "Hunny, it's just a game."

WHEN TIMES ARE TOUGH

2008-11-28T21:25:00.001-08:00

... You do what you got to do to get by. This is when you know your life's gone down the toilet (no pun intended).

In Times Square the other night I ran into this guy who was dressed as a toilet. I have to give this guy props for having some fun with his job. He actually seemed to being enjoying it, which goes to show attitude is all in your head.

However, I'm not so sure many people could have such a positive outlook as The Toilet Man. Watching him made me realize I will never, ever complain about my job (not that I do because I love my job). You know that saying "it could always be worse." Well for those stuck in cubicles or those who've lost their jobs, just remember, you could always be dressed as a toilet.

Advertising in New York city can be difficult especially with the 17-foot advertising posters and bright lights, so the genius people at Charmin decided to open up free restrooms in the middle of Times Square. Usually Starbucks is the only place a person in search of a restroom can find a clean and usable toilet that an establishment will let you use. But that is no longer true. Thank you to the genius people at Charmin who decided to hire Toilet Man to stand out front on the streets of Times Square in the freezing cold and yell, "Party over here! Free restrooms!!! Party time at Charmin!"

Only in New York ...

SASHA "THE MACHINE" IS BACK

2008-11-23T19:35:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I've talked about my old friend and favorite Lakers player, Sasha Vujacic, but then I came across this hilarious video about him via the thelakersnation.com and it brought back all of my memories of pre-game locker room convos, discussions of headbands and Sasha songs.

Although I am no longer in Los Angeles covering my beloved Lakers, I highly recommend going to my favorite Lakers Insider, Beto Duran's Lakers Blog here. He also appreciates the amazingness that is Sasha Vujacic.

You might have heard me talk about my buddy Sasha here, or here, or here, or here, or here, or here, or here ... you get the point. Anyways, this video is hilarious.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2008-11-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

"The Heisman trophy race is more confusing than Lindsay Lohan's personal life."

-Rece Davis on ESPN's College Football Final

MOVE OVER JARED, PHELPS HAS ARRIVRED

2008-11-22T17:05:00.000-08:00

Subway just signed Michael Phelps to a big exclusive promotions deal. Although Subway loves to claim they are not in the "fast food" category, the deal prohibits Phelps from signing deals with other fast food. Are you admitting you are fast food Subway? Don't lie!!!

The endorsement king's Olympic fame has fizzled yet. In fact, it's far from over. Michael also promotes Kellogg, Visa, Speedo and Rosetta Stone. He was already making $5 million a year in endorsements before Beijing, and people estimated his endorsements this year could reach over $50 million.

Phelps was named one of People Mag's "Sexiest Men Alive" this week, he made Barbara Walters prestigious "10 Most Fascinating People" list (airs Dec. 4), and he is on a steamy new cover of GQ for their "Men of The Year" issue. In keeping up with the trend, I'm naming him "The Man On The Most Lists Of The Year." Congrats.

I interviewed the eight medal winning sexy swimming star at the Golden Goggle Awards last week. Check out my interview with Phelps where he talks about his crush on Megan Fox and his love of her GQ cover. Which cover do you prefer?

POKER TOURNEYS AND TRIPS TO SPACE

2008-11-22T16:44:00.000-08:00

Last night I was at a celebrity charity poker tournament where they auctioned off a trip to space.

I'm not kidding.

It went for just under half a million dollars to two gazillionares who both get to go ... and to think I was upset about losing $400 in poker. It still hurts. Seriously though, I felt like I was in the movie Back To The Future.

Questions - How can we not figure out the BCS? How can we not figure out how warm up my apartment? How can we not figure out public transportation in L.A.? ... But we can auction off trips to space? Really?!?

The poker was for the Sunflower Children Charity, which was created by the gorgeous model and humanitarian Helena Houdova. The charity helps provide survival and development care for the forgotten children of the world.

The event was held at Gotham Hall in NYC was MC'd by my buddy, 2006 World Series of Poker Winner, Jamie Gold, who I met a few years ago at the Sundance Film Festival, at a poker tournament where I made it to the final table (beginners luck, which I no longer have).

I was so nervous before the tournament that I made sure to brush up on my poker skills, re-read one of my poker books and called up my little bro who gave me a 45 minute crash course of tips. My brother is amazing. He won $3,600 last night in an online tournament. He's the real deal.

Then, when I got to the tournament Jamie said, "This is not a tournament of skill, this is a tournament of survival." Shit. It messes me up playing with a bunch of people who don't know poker and needless to say, I lost $400. It went to a good cause though I suppose.

But lets be honest, in comparison to the million dollars they got from the silent auction, did they really need 1/3 of my rent money?

THE WEEK THAT WAS

2008-11-22T14:30:00.000-08:00

Things you might have missed from my week:

-I was de-invited from a date this week. A guy asked me out, I said yes, and then he changed his mind an hour later and said he had plans ... Another unnamed guy professed his three-year crush for me saying he's liked me since the day we met. Really? Well why didn't you just say so? However, I fear, that time has passed. All in all, not sure what I'm looking for, but as Michael Phelps advised, "no baggage."

-I went to work with my shirt inside out and didn't notice until 2:30pm while I was in a screening for the new Britney Spears documentary, which I must say is rather emotional and revealing. It airs on MTV Nov. 30. I forgot to change my shirt following the screening so I went another two hours with it inside out until I realized all my co-workers were staring at me. Of course, I was wearing my cheap Forever 21 sweater to make matters worse. In Brit's documentary she talks about her breakup with Justin, K-Fed and dealing with the crazy paparazzi (all of whom I sadly recognized in the doc while they chased her).

-I went to the Duke basketball game at Madison Square Garden on Thursday and felt really old when I realized all the college players looked a lot scrawnier and younger than I remembered college guys being.

-I met the guy who the movie 21 was based off of. His name is Jeff Ma and he's played by Jim Sturgess in the movie, who looks nothing like him (Jeff is Asian, for one thing). If I haven't mentioned before, Jim Sturgess is my celebrity crush and I am obsessed with the movie 21. Meeting Jeff Ma made my night. He is super cool, a sports fan and, of course, ridiculously smart.

-I stupidly decided to go to a book signing for celeb chef Mario Batali instead of a Beyonce interview. First off, I am an awful cook so I wasn't even going for the book, but I thought he would be a more interesting interview than Sasha Fierce. I am not a Beyonce fan, sorry. Unfortunately though, I am no longer a Batali fan after his asshole handlers made me wait an hour and a half only to tell me that Mario had to run out after the signing and wouldn't be available for a 3 minute interview. What?! Seriously? You won't give me 3 minutes! Michael Phelps gave me 3 minutes and he wasn't even promoting anything! Mario was chatting up all the people who bought his stupid book and taking his sweet time. Didn't appear to be in a rush to me. My time, however, is precious.

-My apartment is a refrigerator. The heat won't work. They've tried to fix it three different times already. So I spend most of the night in my over-sized Barry Zito sweatshirt, some pink granny slippers and a blanket in the fetal position. However, this beats living in the sauna my apartment turns into in the summer. Oh, New York.

KNICKS ARE SO H'WOOD

2008-11-15T13:04:00.000-08:00

And to think I thought that moving to New York, I would stop seeing celebrities at basketball games. Last week I met Michael Jordan and then tonight I ran into my buddy Shaun White!

This was an even bigger surprise than the time I ran into him at the airport. The Olympic snowboarder and X-Game medalist was sitting front row at the game. I chatted for a bit with Shaun at half time and caught up on our old days at the X-Games and causing trouble at the Standard in L.A. Shaun was originally supposed to be sitting next Brett Favre but Brett was a no-show. He did however get to sit next to Kerry Rhodes. Shaun’s in NYC until Sunday promoting his new video game.

During the game they showed the clip from the Jets amazing win Thursday night and Kerry Rhodes stood up and waved to the crowd who went wild. Even Nate Robinson pointed at him and gave a nod.

Nate is being mic’d tonight for the first time for television. Coach Mike D'Antoni gave the TV crew the okay (what doesn't he say no to though with the media? He's a full access kinda guy) and Nate got taped up with a tiny mic underneath his jersey. It's so reality show-ish... but kinda cool. Speaking of which, I don’t know why reality show mics can’t be that discreet.

Knicks beat Oklahoma City 116-106, barely. The Thunder were seriously making a run for it at the end. The Thunder are the former Seattle Sonics before they moved to Oklahoma City. In the deal the Sonics were allowed the keep their name in case they ever wanted to build a franchise again. I still haven't gotten used to the name Thunder though ... at least it's better than the Yard Dawgs. I've already expressed my feeling about that.

I've actually started to really enjoy Knicks games. Dare I admit I am that much of a New Yorker? However, they seriously need some energy in the fourth quarter. Every single game they give away the lead. I don't get it. It's like how I was running the 800 in high school track. Huge lead until I burnt out at the end. Thank god I decided to be a writer.

SAY HELLO TO YOUR NEW NEIGHBOR

2008-11-14T07:07:00.000-08:00

Picture snapped by yours truly, Laura Lane.

Justin Timberlake said yesterday at an event I was at that he's moving to New York. He really needs to stop following me everywhere.

JT noted that he liked the weather here in the Big Apple. Hmmm ... is there some unknown city in Cali named New York? I'm confused. Because I just moved from Cali three months ago, and while I am in love with the city, the weather absolutely sucks. And supposedly I haven't seen anything yet.

Maybe he never gets cold because he's so sizzlin' hot ... okay, okay I promise never to attempt at lame jokes again. Welcome to NYC JT.

JETS BLAST TO #1 IN AFC EAST

2008-11-13T22:00:00.001-08:00

"Hey man, maybe you shouldn't play with so many fingers messed up."

The Jets beat the Patriots 34-31 in overtime to claim first place in the AFC East. It's a sad night in New England. However, those Jets need to re-fuel instead of de-fuel at the half. They almost gave up the game despite having a huge lead, again. Well, a "W" is a "W." So smile on New York, smile on.

BABIES + OLBERMANN + JOEL = AMAZINGNESS

2008-11-13T13:10:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen the cutest baby in the entire world, here is Isaac McHale on Keith Olbermann's show with his dad, Joel McHale. His brother Eddie is just as adorable. This is the best video I have seen in a long, long time.

They should have all news anchors hold babies while they read the news. Ratings jump guaranteed.

PICKUP ARTISTS IN NYC

2008-11-13T06:04:00.000-08:00

Three years ago I read a book called The Game, by Neil Strauss. It's about an underground society of pickup artists. Neil Strauss was a writer for the New York Times and was asked to write an article about these guys who taught other men how to pickup women through various techniques. Instead, Neil travels around the world meeting the best pickup artists and learning various techniques until he becomes the best pickup artist in the world. It's a true story.

I read the book because a guy I was dating in L.A. had mentioned reading it and I was curious to find out if he'd been using these techniques on me. It became my favorite book, which is the last book you'd think a girl would like, especially because these guys are manipulative and deceiving. But on a larger level the book is really a fascinating sociology experiment and a lesson in human nature.

Hence, my favorite quote:

"Usually, what you wish for doesn't fall in your lap; it falls somewhere nearby, and you have to recognize it, stand up, and put in the time and work it takes to get it. This isn't because the universe is cruel. It's because the universe is smart. It has its own cat-string theory and knows we don't appreciate things that fall into our laps."
-The Game, by Neil Strauss

You might be familiar with the Pickup Artist reality show. Well it turns out Mystery (a main character from the novel) and Matador (from the reality show) are in New York. And I get to meet them this week! It's like my book coming to life!

When I was college, I met a guy at a party and within five seconds of speaking with him, I knew he was a pickup artist and had read The Game. All he did was shake my hand and say, "You have an interesting handshake." Not everyone that says this is a pickup artist and I don't even think that line was in the book, but I'm telling you, I just knew it. After a couple minutes I smiled and asked if he had read The Game. He was shocked and said I was the first girl to ever call him out. It was a very proud moment for myself.

For all you pickup artist fans, Mystery is signing copies of The Mystery Method today at Borders Books in Penn Plaza, New York at 7pm.

And for all you women out there, beware. The pickup artists are in the city ...

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2008-11-11T02:44:00.000-08:00

“Most people are proud of where they're born. In New York, they're proud of where they live.”
-Ricky Gervais

PS. If you ever told me I’d be quoting Ricky Gervais (let alone a quote he said to Cindy Adams!) I would have told you you’re nuts. But it’s rather moving.

007 RUMOR CONTROL

2008-11-11T01:48:00.000-08:00

I’m so sick of this “what if” talk when it comes to James Bond.

James Bond was going to have a kid in the new movie.

James Bond should be black in the next movie.

Just leave Bond alone! It’s worked for over 50 years and I don’t think Ian Fleming would appreciate you ruining his fictional masterpiece.

P.S. I get to go to the James Bond premiere in New York tonight so I’ll get the dish! Sweet!

P.P.S. For all you super James Bond fans in NYC, Sir Roger Moore, also known as James Bond and the Saint will be signing copies of My Word Is My Bond on Friday 11/14/08 at 6:30pm at Borders Books (Second Avenue. Manhattan, NY).

FINANCIAL CRISIS SURVIVOR - FOREVER 21?!?

2008-11-10T14:51:00.000-08:00

Amid the financial crisis, one victor emerges – Forever 21.

While every other company is stuck in a shit hole, turns out things have never looked better for cheap-chain-store-turned-H&M knockoff- turned-chic-shopping-haven, Forever 21.

At least 15,000 jobs were cut in the first week of November in various companies across America and fashion companies including Escada, Galliano, Just Cavalli, Prada and others are in serious threat of going bankrupt (but might be saved by investors in Dubai, who invest in anything and I am seriously convinced they plan to take over the world. This is why they teach Monopoly to kids - if one person owns the board, they win!!!), there is however, still hope and it’s name is Forever 21.

In high school, you were embarrassed to shop there. Their clothes fell apart and they looked trashy. Now it’s a stylish and affordable brand. It's like how shopping at Target used to be like K-Mart until they completely did an advertising 360 and made Target super cool (K-Mart still sucks).

And while even the great-two-on-every-block-mandatory Starbucks are closing stores, Forever 21 is just beginning its world domination, starting with the plan to open a 100,000-square-foot store in Times Square at the building that Tower Records used to occupy (before the music industry came to an end). So while the nation woes this financial crisis there is but one small beacon of hope – while you cry over your lost wages, you can still look super stylish doing it.

HOT NEW BABY NAME: BARACK OBAMA

2008-11-10T14:45:00.000-08:00

Anyways – according to the New York Times, Barack Obama is the new hip, hot, trendy, cool, all the rage, popular, baby name! Apparently, there were a few people who actually gave birth as he won and decided it was destined that their kid be named Barack Obama.

Shhh – don’t tell them that a baby is born ever 4.2 seconds in the world. Let it be destiny.

This isn’t anything revolutionary that a name becomes common after a popular figure emerges, but up until the election I had never heard of someone named Barack. Michelle, Malia and Sasha have also gained popularity. I'm all for unique names that are also easy to spell!

For fun, here are the top ten most popular names of last year and the most popular 23 years ago (when I was born). In 1985 Laura was the 14th most popular name. If I was a boy, my parents were planning to name me Ryan (12th), which I personally think would have been a hot name for a girl anyways.

Top 10 Names for 2007

Male name Female name
1 Jacob --- Emily
2 Michael --- Isabella
3 Ethan --- Emma
4 Joshua --- Ava
5 Daniel --- Madison
6 Christopher --- Sophia
7 Anthony --- Olivia
8 William --- Abigail
9 Matthew ---Hannah
10 Andrew --- Elizabeth

Top 10 Names for 1985

Male name Female name
1 Michael --- Jessica
2 Christopher --- Ashley
3 Matthew ---Jennifer
4 Joshua --- Amanda
5 Daniel --- Sarah
6 David --- Stephanie
7 James --- Nicole
8 Robert --- Heather
9 John --- Elizabeth
10 Joseph --- Megan

BANKSY OR NOT?

2008-11-10T05:02:00.000-08:00

Is this picture I took in SoHo a Banksy or not?

He's not so underground anymore, but he's still underground enough where you and only one other person at a dinner table might know who he is. And that makes you feel cool.

I am, of course, talking about the great Banksy. An artist I first learned of back in L.A. by a DJ I was dating from London who shared my love of graffiti art. Bansky is a mysterious British street artist who has turned his mischievous street graffiti into a multi-million dollar art career (Brad Pitt is a huge fan). No one knows who Bansky actually is. As Wikipedia puts it best in the oxymoron description of him, he is "a well-known pseudo-anonymous British graffiti artist."

His work, which by some is considered vandalism, can be meaningful or meaningless, political or politically incorrect and it aways undoubtedly sparks curiousity and wonder.

Banksy currently has an exhibit in town called the Pet Shop, which has the weirdest mechanical animals and things in the world - chicken nuggets eating their sauce in a chicken pen, monkeys watching money porn and random other mysterious creatures. The people who work there swore to me they've never met Banksy and say the place was already set up when they were hired.

Once rumors swirled that Banksy was in town, mysterious Banksy work suddenly started to appear all around NYC. And I became curious to find them.

I am 99.9% positive there is a Banksy (there have been known to be fakes) over an advertisement on Houston street of a huge rat holding a paint brush as if he is painting his own picture down my where I play soccer. I forget my camera every time I'm over there, but I will take a picture.

Then the other day as I walking down in SoHo, I suddenly realized that this painting might too be a Banksy. It looks just like one, has some sort of weird meaning that I don't quite get right away and is purposefully placed (I assume) behind barbed wire. Which begs the question, is this or is this not a Banksy??? (picture at top of blog post)

Not sure if these are truly Banksy quotes, but if they are, I'm obsessed:

"People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish... but that's only if it's done properly."

—Banksy

"Think outside the box, collapse the box, and take a fucking sharp knife to it."

—Banksy

HE'S STILL GOT "IT"

2008-11-09T16:43:00.000-08:00

And when I say "He" I mean Brett Favre, and when I say "It," I'm talking skills like a tractor truck that ran over the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. It was a 47-3 beating. Ouch!

My favorite part of the game was when the crowd booed after the Rams scored the 3-point field goal - when New York already had 40 points on the board!!! Guess they were hoping for a shutout. I got to talk to Brett after the game for a minute and he was definitely more upbeat than the last home game against the Chiefs where they barely squeezed out a win.

Winning = Happy players = Good interviews = Happy editors.

Here's some gems from a message board I was checking out during the game:

redscapswizfan: damn is this a college game lol!!! jets are kicking some butt

nxbombers111: Clemens is going to play I bet.

YankeesJets2375: Clemens? Roger Clemens could beat these Rams. Without HGH too. How did we lose to the Raiders? What a crazy season.

YankeesJets2375: Mangini, is letting his inner Belichick come out, I dont like it.

This Thursday the Jets play the Patriots in New England who they are currently tied with in the AFC East 6-3.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2008-11-09T15:34:00.000-08:00

"I love your hat! You look absolutely fabulous in it - but dahhhling, it's winter!"

- Some douche bag guy at NYC hotspot Rose Bar Friday night to me.

I think I was so taken back I actually said, "thanks." Five minutes later a guy with his entourage walks into the lounge wearing the same "winter" hat. Ha! I'm not the only person who thinks - knows- they're still stylish. If I was mean I would have said something along the lines of, "Thank you for your style tips but from the looks of it you aren't someone who should be giving them. If you had any fashion sense at all I might actually be offended, but you don't, so I won't waste any more of my time. Have a fabulous night." But unfortunately that would only lower me to the level of "douche." Hence, my evil alter ego can't have it's way... nor does my evil alter ego think of things to say on the spot.

LET THEM EAT CAKE VS. WE ALL EAT CAKE

2008-11-09T13:50:00.000-08:00

There is a huge difference between the L.A. and NYC celebrity soiree scene, which I realized at the Juicy Couture store opening on 5th Avenue the other night.

As I breezed past the glamorous Juicy Couture designers Pamlea Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor and headed upstairs during the extravagant bash, I thought, this would never happen in L.A.! In Hollywood, nearly ever A-list event has a V.I.P. area which always ends up becoming over crowded and messy. People feel left out, people that should be in there aren't and people that shouldn't get in find a way. It's never good.

In New York, while celebrities will usually have booths or tables at clubs, at the upscale cocktail parties, socialites, musicians, celebrities and us normal folk mix and mingle among the masses. Granted, not just anyone can get in the party.

Extravagant, is an understatement for this bash. Balloons flooded the ceiling, ballerinas were dancing in tutus throughout the store, there were violin players, hundreds of cupcakes and 5-tiered cakes, appetizers, champagne and at least 30 young guys dressed in top hats, suit jackets and boots over jeans holding umbrellas lined up along the red carpet in place of a gate. It was magnificent.

As I politely asked Blake Lively and boyfriend Penn Badgley if I could sneak by them, scooted past Sarah Michelle Gellar, passed by Sarah Silverman, Emma Roberts, Jason Lewis and Jessica Szohr, chatted up Molly Sims on the carpet and was just feet away from Martha Stewart who popped by for a quick photo op with the Juicy girls to show her support ("She's our idol!" one gushed. "Juicy loves Martha!" shreaked the other. "Martha loves Juicy!" Martha smiled back before whispering, "Your store is very cute."), I realized, this is how it should be. Equals. Granted none of us really are the same. The socialites have more money than the celebs, the celebs have more fame than the socialites, the musicians have the real talent, and we journalists, document it all.

Thus, we are all individually important. While in Los Angeles, the "Let them eat cake" mentality exists, in New York, everyone secretly knows they need each other. Thus, we all ate the cake - and cupcakes.

THE GREATEST OF THE GREAT

2008-11-05T22:56:00.000-08:00

I met ...

Michael Jordan!

I'm not a believer in the Secret per say (that book/movie), but am a believer in energy and positive thinking and when you say something, it happens. Like the time I told my friend I'd introduce her to Michael Vartan and totally did. Like the time I said I would move to New York in six months and I moved five and a half months later. Like the time I wrote a blog about Michael Jordan and then met him a couple days later - oh yeah, that was tonight.

Seriously. I met Michael Jordan. I grew up watching the Bulls. My dad is from Chicago. My little brother's room growing up had Chicago Bulls wall paper. For my dad's birthday when I was ten, I got him a lazer pen (back when those were cool) that had a bulls logo so we could pretend we were at the stadium when we watched games since they always had a red lazer bull logo on the court when the Bulls theme song came on.

There aren't many icons I get excited about meeting, but I quickly texted my friend afterwards and called my dad. It doesn't get bigger than Mike (And this is after I spent the day walking next to Katie Holmes and Suri). I kept my cool though, introduced myself and said hi. He was in New York for the Knicks v Charlotte game. Mike works behind the scenes at the Charlotte organization but has been known to join in at practice every now and then. Also at the game was Chris Rock, Ethan Hawke and Spike Lee.

YES WE CAN

2008-11-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

As Johnny Drama from Entourage would say, "Victory!"

Barack Obama has defeated John McCain. This is a huge historical landmark and I wanted to celebrate the election in a historical way so I went to Rockefeller Center and celebrated with thousands of others New Yorkers. The energy of the crowd was insane and it truly felt like I was a part of something important. Here's some pics I took to document the night:

My mom actually called me on the phone and told me to go to Rockefeller Center because she saw it on CNN and said it looked like a crazy cool place to be. I don't think she used the words "crazy cool" but I'm sure that's what she meant. And she was right.

They had many indicators as to who was ahead in the election. One was the U.S. map on the ice skating rink where they would paint each state red or blue when the results came in.

The other was this amazing building where the Obama and McCain elevator (or decorated window washer thing) would rise with the results. It was a race to the top - well, to 270.

Later that night I went to NYC hotspot Haven where Obama Girl was hosting a party. Um yeah, I said Obama Girl. Remember that You-Tube video with the girl singing her affection for Obama and dancing seductively? Well she still has love for her man and she was hosting a party. Good times, good times. Check out my interview with Obama Girl here. She was awesome. Even though Obama was expected to win, seeing this announcement on TV felt surprisingly powerful.

Here is some video of the scene at Rockefeller Center. The crowd goes crazy when Obama rises and boos when McCain's does. It is New York people. At the end there is an adorable kid who starts jumping up and down when Obama wins New York. This election has affected people at every age!

ELECTIONS BLOG

2008-11-04T15:55:00.001-08:00

It's up to you America!!!

Even Sarah Palin is embarrassed to vote for McCain. This morning after she finished voting at a polling place in Wasilla, Alaska a reporter asked her outside who she voted for and she replied, "I am also exercising my right to privacy and I don't have to tell anybody who I voted for and nobody does. And that's really cool about America, also." There were also a lot of Japanese reporters who started asking her about Japan. It was a bit awkward for everyone.

Is CNN really that desperate for advertisers that they're allowing Fox news to advertise on their channel? I seriously thought I accidentally put on FOX News when I heard an ad saying, "The most watched, the most trusted election headquarters ... Fox News!" But nope, I was watching CNN News. CNN must be so confident they're the best, they don't believe any of their viewers will actually change the channel to laughable FOX. Or perhaps they figure any ad is better than Viagra and Diabetes medicine commercials.

Voting booths are very confusing. It looked like I was trying to fly a plane in there with that huge board with 500 nobs and levers. I don't remember it looking like that at my polling place four years ago in Cali. This was so old school! Who came up with this system?! I thought I had to pull the lever after each vote so I pulled it after I voted for President and then couldn't vote for anything else! On top of that, my polling place didn't have the "I voted" stickers! What's up with that? I don't understand how we can have crazy databases, fly to the moon and be so technologically advanced but then have voting booths from the 1960's. Update your shit America! Simplicity + Efficiency = Accuracy.

The robo calls that the Republicans have been doing today are desperate and pathetic. Total lies. They made calls about how Vidal Castro endorses Obama and how voting for Obama will turn the US into a Cuban dictatorship. Give me a break!

Walking the streets of New York I hear everyone talking about the elections. There was a young girl with her mom standing in front of me at the polls and the little girls was telling her mom how in school all the students had to choose who they would vote for. "Every one of the kids picked Obama mom."

In Union Square there are a ton of people selling different Obama t-shirts but I don't see any booths selling McCain shirts. Do McCain voters not represent?

In sports news, today the Cleveland Browns announced they're benching QB Derek Anderson, and will finally be starting Brady Quinn. I've been a Brady Quinn fan since his early days at Notre Dame and I was lucky to meet him at the ESPY's this year. This move is long over due. He already has a million endorsements and he's never even started a game. He'll make his first starting appearance against the Broncos on Thursday night. However, I was disappointed when I discovered this:

...Ok, leaving for an elections viewing party. Peace.

ELECTION DAY PUTS THE FREE IN FREEDOM

2008-11-03T15:26:00.000-08:00

Who knew voting could taste so yummy? Election day is just as much about freebies as freedom. So mark your ballot and enjoy the perks!

***IMPORTANT RULE FOR RECEIVING ELECTION DAY FREEBIES: Keep that “I Voted” Sticker!!! However, because of laws in certain areas that forbid “bribing,” not all places require you to prove you voted. However, the guilt of not voting and fulfilling your duty to your country should make you go vote. Exercise your right!

On that note, here’s some freebies you can get tomorrow:

FREEBIES:

1. Starbucks Coffee- free tall 12-ounce coffee to voters at participating locations.

2. Krispy Kreme- free donut with red, white and blue sprinkles. Bring your “
Customers who present an “I voted” sticker at participating Krispy Kreme Doughnuts locations will receive a as part of Krispy Kreme’s “Hot Vote Now” promotion. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc.

3. Ben & Jerry's- free ice cream from 5-8pm across the U.S., one to a customer.

4. Babeland- free sex toy shop at New York or Seattle locations are planning to give away free silver bullets and sleeves to folks. Come with voter registration card, voting stub, or word of honor. (we got a good laugh about this at work)

5. Misc- depending on your voting location, there will be miscellaneous coupons and freebies out and about around poll sites on election day. So while most days, those annoying people handing out fliers are solicitors or crazy religious people, tomorrow they may just be hooking it up!

I used to think it was so lame in college when the student senate would give out free ice cream and pizza to students who voted in the student elections to lure hungry young scholars over to the voting booth. The school cared more about getting lots of voters than voters who cared. While I’m all about exercising the right to vote – be it the informed or the uniformed – this should exclude people who are literally closing their eyes, circling a name and spending more time deciding between pepperoni or cheese than on the which candidate is best.

However, tomorrow my objections to freebies go out the door. I have good reason for this though:

-The uninformed students were voting solely for free food. Some voters tomorrow may be uninformed but they represent a certain demographic of our country, the ignorant vote.

- At least people had to register to vote tomorrow, which shows they care … a little bit. In college registration entailed choosing ice cream or pizza?

-Standing in line is a pain in the ass and you should be rewarded.

Well, I don’t know about you but I feel better about receiving freebies for voting. I certainly convinced myself.

HALLOWEEN HIGHLIGHTS

2008-11-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

Halloween was fantastic this year! Not only was I amazed at the creative costumes and effort people put in this year, but I can now say I officially had my first Halloween in New York. Here are five things worth noting from the night:

1. I finally decided on a costume, which ended up being the best idea in the world. I was the Statue of Liberty and my friend was a tourist. Get it? Tourists like to go see the Statue. Anyways, not only was it timely because of the elections, but being my first year in New York, it seemed fitting and surprisingly I didn't see anyone else with my costume the entire night. The best part was that my friend got her costume at Grand Central - the map around her neck, fanny pack, I love NY tee and visor. BTW, we're bringing the fanny back. So convenient.

2. I find it hilarious that parents in the city result to taking their kids to Rite Aid to go trick-or-treating. I'm not sure what else I expected. I mean it's not like you can go knock on anyone's apartment in the city but I used to think trick-or-treating in a mall was weird enough let alone walking down the street and seeing kids go inside convenient stores and pharmacies to ask for candy. So weird.

3. My second stop of the night was Heidi Klum's party at NYC hotspot 1Oak. Heidi is known for going all out for her Halloween costume each year. At her party in L.A. last year at Green Door she was dressed as a cat in a full bodysuit with her entire face painted. This year, she was unrecognizable dressed as the scary blue god Sheva. It was absolutely nuts - skull heads and everything.

4. Getting a cab on Halloween in NYC is completely impossible and cab drivers are ruthless. They ask where you are going before they let you get in the cab and if you try to open the door before you tell them, they will drive away just inches from crushing your toes. I, being new at all of this, do not know whether the correct answer is somewhere close by or far away. I still don't know, never found out and walked really far in not so comfortable shoes to get home.

5. My friend spent the week making a surprise costume that ended up being the greatest thing I've ever seen in my life - she was a Pac-man! It was amazing. And I can't stop talking about it. I will borrow that costume some day.

DOT-COM HAS RUINED INSPIRATIONAL SPEECH

2008-11-01T23:25:00.001-07:00

There is no denying the influence of the internet has affected every aspect of our lives from news to education to dating. But John Stewart, who always puts things in perfect perspective with his comedic wit, points out another way the internet has changed things in the 2008 elections - the art of inspirational speech.

Clip of Barack speech: "In this last week, if you'll knock on some doors for me. If you'll make some calls for me. If you'll go to BarackObama.com and find out where to vote - ."

John Stewart: "God! The .com thing is killing inspirational speech! (in his best Martin Luther King voice) I have a dream - for more on that dream go to Martinlutherking.org/mountaintop..."

Watch the hilarious clip @ 3:42.

FERRELL AND CARROLL PRANK THE TROJANS

2008-10-31T17:45:00.000-07:00

It's been my theory for a long time that teams that have fun together, win together. I've always loved hearing about the MLB Pranks and in college I wrote this feature on the USC O-Line, but no one knows more about having fun than players coach and notorious prankster Pete Carroll.

Pete Carroll with pal Will Ferrell at a charity swim-a-thon last year.

The USC head coach teamed up with his longtime pal Will Ferrell this year to prank the football team just before Saturday's game against Washington and just in time for Halloween. Oh, how I love my school!

From USC football.com:
By: Dan Woike

As the door flew open on a camera tower high above the ground just outside Howard Jones Field, all eyes turned to a man inside screaming and waving his arms.

As he hurled to the ground, players winced in horror. Fullback Stanley Havili ran toward the door, but before he could get there, he received good news.

"He caught him," a woman yelled.

With the man cradled in his arms, a masked superhero strolled into Howard Jones Field. Sure enough, "Captain Compete" turned out to be comedian Will Ferrell.

After speaking to the team for a couple of minutes, Captain Compete got another chance to save a life, when a man engulfed in flames emerged from behind the goalposts.

After the man was extinguished, Ferrell tried to help, launching a Gatorade cooler at the man - not on the man.

"What a sense of timing that guy has," USC coach Pete Carroll said.

The Halloween gag had most of the Trojans fooled.

"It felt awful," Havili said. "My stomach just dropped."

Freshman defensive tackle Armond Armstead saw the man fall and thought tragedy struck.

"Seriously," he said, "I thought we just watched a dude die."

The prank lightened the mood after the team finalized its week of practice

"It was just a little something in the Halloween spirits," Carroll said. "I just thought we'd have a little fun."

SPIKE LEE AND THE M.J. PROPHECY

2008-10-31T11:56:00.001-07:00

Last night I was at the Spike Lee “I AM C.H.A.N.G.E!" Get Out The Vote Party in NYC. CoCo and her hubby Ice-T showed up, Rockets’ Dikembe Mutombo, Bow Wow, Tyson Beckford, Lil' Kim, Russell Simmons, LL Cool J and others were at the party but I really only cared about seeing Spike Lee. I interviewed him last year before a Lakers game when he was filming the day in the life of documentary on Kobe Bryant.

I never understood why Spike Lee would show up at Lakers games wearing a N.Y. cap. But none of the L.A. players seemed to be bothered by this. What I also didn’t understand was why Spike liked the Knicks in the first place. But since I am an official New Yorker now (I even registered to vote here!) and plan on going to many Knicks games and seeing my pal Spike, I figured I would get to the bottom of his Knicks passion.

So I bought his memoir. He wrote it back in 1997 and although it is a bit outdated, I figured it would be a good historical read if anything. It’s actually fantastic and incredibly insightful. He starts the book by describing a very candid car ride convo with Michael Jordan where he dissects the entire league. The most interesting part is where Mike talks about Shaq and the Lakers “eighteen-year-old rookie" Kobe Bryant.

“The young kid, Kobe. Don’t sleep on him, either. He’s got some skills. It’ll be a couple of years, but he’s got some skills. He’s got a lot to learn though.”

Basically every prediction and analysis Mike told Spike in that car ride in 1996 has come true. I’ve also learned (via the well-informed IMDB) that Spike is planning to do a documentary on Jordan coming up. It’s currently an “Untitled Michael Jordan Documentary” in pre-production.

Spike Lee skipped the red carpet at his party last night and if the music wasn’t blaring so loud in the club, I would have asked him about the documentary. However, it was hard to get any full sentences across, let alone attempt to scream in Spike Lee’s ear and ask him about his new Jordan project.

Not that he probably remembered me and not that he’ll probably remember me when I see him at a Knicks game this year, but I was able to have a short chat with Spike and tell him I was reading his memoir, to which he replied “cool.” To which I replied (or yelled), “Okay, well nice seeing you again.” Just another normal night.

GOOD THING JEFF KENT DOESN’T PLAY IN SAN FRAN

2008-10-31T11:03:00.001-07:00

I couldn’t have re-written this any better so via Dead Spin …

Despite sporting the best gay porn 'stache in the majors today, Jeff Kent on Thursday girded his loins took a stand against gay marriage; scribbling a check for $15,000 to the Yes on Proposition 8 people. The California proposition would ban same-sex marriage by imposing a California constitutional amendment that would define marriage as being between a man and a woman. Kent's official residence is in Austin, Texas, and thus he can't vote on the matter (someone tell me if this is wrong), but he knows there are married gay couples in the stands at Dodger Stadium. He can feel their eyes on him, looking him up and down, undressing him, seeing into his very soul ...

"Ahh!" (Kent wakes up, sweating, clutching framed photo of Clay Aiken). Here in California, we have many strange, exotic items on our ballot for Tuesday. Prop 8 is one of the more confusing ones ... just remember if you live here and are voting on this, yes means no and no means yes on this one. Latest polling seems to have the no's ahead, 49 percent to 44 percent, which means Kent had better get out there and start knocking on doors if he doesn't want that 15 grand to go to waste.

But we have other hard-hitting issues as well. Prop 2 is the chicken initiative, in which a yes vote means that farm animals cannot be jammed together into small pens (that's leading by a wide margin). Also I believe they must have TVs.

Anyway, as our governor would say, "Don't fahget to vote, Cal-ee-fohnians."

AUDRINA IS NO TRIGOBOT

2008-10-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

So apparently I'm a lot more gullible than I realized. Last night I went to a concert for a band called White Tie Affair. They are this pop rock group of five cute guys. You may remember them from an episode on The Hills that was centered around Audrina Patridge going to their concert.

Well before the concert, I hung out with the guys at the W Hotel for a meet and greet, and a pre-concert chat. It was then that I got officially punk'd by the lead singer and guitarist who told me a rather convincing story about Audrina that I then pitched to my editors the next day at work, only to find out that it was complete crap once I called her rep. They were messing with me, I bought it and I'm an idiot. I still have no hard feelings for the guys. But seriously, this is war. I will get my revenge on them ...

Convo went as follows:

CHRIS WALLACE (LEAD SINGER): “There’s actually something interesting about Audrina. She’s like really intelligent. More than you can even believe.”

SEAN P (GUITARIST): “She’s like Rain Man. This is really weird. We were doing the shoot and I just kept seeing her when there’s nothing going on writing on paper. And she’s got this ridiculous math equation worked out on a piece paper. I’m like, what are you doing? And she’s like ‘trigonometry.’”

ME: “What? I don’t believe you.”

S.P.: “And she was like. ‘Just some trig.’ And I go, ‘Why are you doing that?’ and she’s like, ‘I don’t know, I just like to do it. It’s a hobby.’ It’s totally some Rain Man shit. And the weird thing is we were messing with her and giving her all these weird math problems and it was like nothing. She was like bam! So then she was giving us equations on gas mileage, just the weirdest stuff broke down like you’ve never heard it. Like you’ve never seen this. I couldn’t believe it.”

ME: “Well then why has no one ever heard about this before? Why would she not want to do something with the math?”

C.W.: “I guess that’s not the public persona she wants to show, and I can respect that.”

S.P.: “I asked around and her friends say that’s just something that she does for no reason. She’ll just do math. She’ll do these ridiculous problems, like a whole page worth of math.”

ME: “Wow, that’s crazy!”

C.W.: “When you ask her about it, she’s so casual about it. She’s just like, oh I just like to do math. Dude, she’s like some weird trigobot.”

At that point some friends from another band arrived and the convo was cut short. The next day I emailed Audrina’s publicist who responded: “Audrina is laughing about this one.” Ha, I don’t blame her. Perhaps Audrina can team up with me to conspire a way to prank get these guys back.

IF ONLY I HAD THOUGHT OF THIS ...

2008-10-30T21:00:00.001-07:00

I am glad I am not alone in resenting the choice to dress as Sarah Palin for Halloween. Unfortunately, someone else came up with this genius party rule poster. I can not take credit but what I can do is show you its awesomeness and ask you to print it out and hang it at whatever Halloween party you are going to. People are very funny.

PROGRESS, HOPE AND OBAMA

2008-10-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

I took this picture in Brooklyn, New York. It seemed to capture something special for me. A girl all alone, graffiti on the walls, an empty bottle, broken sidewalks ... and then in the center of it all, there is hope. And his name is Barack Obama. I'm not an extreme liberal by any means. In fact, up until this year I was a registered Independent.

Even if you're already a believer, this is worth watching if you haven't had a chance.

POLITICS AND SEX

2008-10-29T22:13:00.001-07:00

This is just ridiculous.

There are a lot of distinguishing factors that make this historic election unique from past Presidential elections - youth registration is up in staggering numbers, the impact of SNL and pop culture, the fascination with candidates lives like never before, the breakdown of stereotypes ... and then there are things like this:

A dude on the street in Time Square selling Barack Obama and John McCain condoms.

Obama's reads: "Use with good judgment" and McCain's reads "Old but not expired."

While I was tempted to buy some, I figured that probably wouldn't be the smartest idea, so I settled on some pictures instead for documentation purposes. Years from now when my kids ask me about this historical election I'll be able to say, "Yup, they were selling condoms with the candidate's picture on them back in my day."

Pretty sure I don't remember seeing these for sale four years ago. Hilarious.

PHILLY FINALLY FINISHED!

2008-10-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

Yes! Another excuse for some more Cole Hamels pics.

The 24 year old won the World Series MVP in the Philadelphia Phillies 4-3 win over the Rays in Game 5. It sucks to be the MLB. First they were hoping for a Dodgers-Red Sox matchup. That didn't happen. Then they were hoping the series went seven games. And that didn't happen. Instead, they had to settle on what could be considered faux six games, thanks to the weatherman. Congrats Phillies on your World Series victory!

WORLD SERIES: IS IT OVER YET?

2008-10-28T22:54:00.001-07:00

All I have to say is that thank god I didn't buy tickets to Game 5 of the World Series. Imagine if you lived in another state, flew out, stayed in a hotel only to sit in the rain, watch your team run around in slush and then have the game canceled in the 6th.

There are many things that went wrong this year.

First of all, it's never good for MLB when people need to be convinced why they should care about the World Series. No one can pretend that a Dodgers-Red Sox series wouldn't have been sweet. You can't write a Hollywood script that sugary sweet - a team paying another team to play them, Manny Ramirez stirring trouble in the locker room, walking to bases and then moving to L.A., hitting balls out of the park and running faster than Speedy Gonzalez. I was in the Red Sox locker room when they had Manny and I was in the Dodgers locker room two weeks later when they had Manny. I know.

Second of all, the whole mix up with the rule change is ridiculous. Imagine if the Phillies had been up in the 6th and started celebrating when the game was stopped because they thought they won the World Series. Um, that would have been embarrassing.

Third, Bud Selig joking that “We’ll stay here if we have to celebrate Thanksgiving here" instead of finishing the game in Tampa, is not funny. And if they did stay in Philly until Thanksgiving, I guarantee you'd see a lot more teams announce they're building new stadiums - stadiums with roofs. And considering the economy and the little controversy the Yankees are dealing with right now over financing for their new stadium, that would probably be a very bad idea.

Those are really my only complaints but if I have to come up with two more it'd be:

Fourth, what stupid hotel were the Rays staying at that wouldn't let them back in after they had checked out on Monday and needed to stay another night? Kick out the other people if you have to! These guys are playing in the World Series! Make them drive to Delaware? What is up with that? Not cool.

Fifth, we didn't get to see enough of Cole Hamels. End of story.

BLACKBERRY SUCKBERRY

2008-10-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

I remember reading an article like a year ago about how a leading phone company was going to stop locking phones so you can use them with any carrier. I predicted that if and when they started doing this, other phone services would soon follow. I was wrong.

It's crap that you can't use a Sidekick with Sprint or an I-Phone with T-Mobile unless you get some shady tech dude to unlock it or you buy it on E-Bay. It should be illegal that phone services purposefully lock phones in the first place. A Blackberry is a Blackberry and I should be able to use it with whatever carrier I chose.

I'm going on this rant because today I went to the launch party in NYC for the new Blackberry Bold 9000. And I got a free Blackberry. Sweet, right? Well yes, except for the fact that I can't use it because I don't have AT&T! This happened a year ago in LA at the launch party for the pink Blackberry Pearl and that time I gave my phone to my best friend. This time, however, I am pissed because my current Blackberry is seriously from 2001 and I desperately need a new one.

There are much larger problems to have in life but this is not just about having a cool phone. It's about companies taking advantage of the people! It's about monopolies! It's about corporate America! It's about the right to choose! It's about the economic crisis!

Okay, I'm probably overreacting a bit ...

The party was fun though. Great pear martinis, kobe beef and cute boys in suits. A girl also fell down the staircase. It wouldn't have been so bad had she not screamed bloody murder as she fell. Everyone in the room just turned and looked at her but at least no one laughed. Everyone secretly knew that could have been them - rain and steep staircases don't mix well.

Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) and the real socialite Olivia Palermo.

Also at the soiree was the beautiful Maggie Gyllenhaal, intriguing Olivia Palermo (side note: Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girls is rumored to be based off of her. Olivia told me she's met Leighton Meester but she's never seen the show!), the super cute Robert Buckley (who told me I looked familiar. I said yes, I've interviewed you before. And then I sighed), Rafi Gavron (from Nick and Nora's Infinite Play List. Rafi makes me wish I was 18 years-old again. He's gonna be a huge star. I promise. I met him at the Toronto Film Festival a month ago and he told me he was going to shoot Michael Cera with a water gun at their premiere. We hugged, caught up and he confessed he never went through with the water gun stunt. He was in town shooting a campaign for Barney's).

Everyone there got free Crackberries too ... and I guarantee they don't all have AT&T.

New up and comer youngster Rafi Gavron.

OLSENS VS TROLLSENS

2008-10-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I went to Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's book signing in New York for their new book, Influence. Yes, the Olsens have written a book ... and from what I've read so far, it's not that bad.

PETA, who has dubbed the twins the "Trollsens" because according to them, wearing fur is "ugly," was outside protesting, decked out in Trollsen masks. Oh yeah. I said Trollsen masks. And if you were hoping to snag one for Halloween, think again. They're sold out on their website because according to Ashley Byrne, a campaign coordinator for PETA, the masks are a total hit.

"I have to say these Halloween masks that we have been giving away have been in such demand," she told me today. "We were giving them away online and actually we’ve been cleaned out. People can go online to print their own but the ones we were sending out, I mean there was such a demand for these, that they’re gone."

I of course, was able to snag two of these super exclusive masks. Sweet!

The Olsen camp had this book signing organized like a factory production line. You pay, get a wristband, stand in line, take off your coat (to prove you aren't some crazy stalker?), walk by the table, Mary-Kate signs the book, Ashley signs the book, you step down, and wrist band is cut off. It's a fine operation they've got running.

Yes, I said hi to them, they smiled and yes, they are gorgeous. Unfortunately for the fashionistas, they've been targeted by the animal-loving-fur-hating-celebrity-targetting-group. Sucks to be gorgeous, rich and famous. There's just some things you put up with. Good thing I didn't bring my new mink coat to the book signing ... Seriously. Yesterday, I was just given my grandma's vintage mink coat. And call me heartless, but I love it. It is meaningful and gorgeous. And I love animals. Does that make me a hypocrite? A flip-flopper? I saved seven kittens in the basement of a frat house sophomore year of college. I should get rollerover points for that.

For more info on the book signing and PETA's stance on it all, check out the OK! Mag exclusive!

COSTUMES AND HALLOWEEN: CREATIVE IS THE NEW SLUT

2008-10-27T12:31:00.001-07:00

(Editors note: The dogs have nothing much to do with my story. But they are funny.)

Halloween is only four days away and I can't decide what to dress as. A costume can be something people either remember you by or it can be something you forever regret. I've had all year to think about it and I am still costumeless.

The best line from Mean Girls is when Cady says, "Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it."

Perhaps that used to be true but slutty is not cute. Plus, you can't stand out when you're just one of 100 other scandalously dressed females. I'm taking a stand and declaring that creativity is the new slutty.

But with thousands of decorated and detailed costumes online, it's almost impossible to come up with something that hasn't been thought of before. I refuse to be a nurse, a policewoman, a firefighter, a devil or an angel. No cliche costume will ever be considered creative.

For anyone who though that being the Joker from Dark Knight or Sarah Palin was a genius idea, think again. You're one of at least a dozen people I know who also think they came up with the unique costume idea as well.

For dress up Friday at work I am going to be Louis Lane and my co-worker Oli will be Clark Kent ... I know, I know, It's almost like if Britney Spears wanted to dress as a pop singer. It isn't much of a stretch considering we are both reporters (not to mention that my name is Laura Lane) but at least we won't feel like idiots on the subway.

In the past I've been a fairy, Lady Lucky, a pirate, a hippie, a devil, a nurse and various other cliches.

I'm not proud of my choices. They aren't creative except for Lady Luck. I'm a writer - so I should be flowing with ingenious creativity, but my friends are stumping me with their fantastic ideas.

One friend just texted me to say she stayed up all last night making her costume - a rotten tooth fairy. Another friend told me she is going to be a circus ringmaster and is dressing her dog up as a lion. I love it! It's fabulous. It's unique. And I should have though of it first.

In case you were wondering what your favorite athletes are doing for Halloween, I just got word that Chris Paul and LeBron James are throwing a huge bash in New Orleans and inviting all their Cleveland Cavalier and Hornet teammates. The party is also for a good cause - they're selling tix for $250 and using the money to benefit the children of New Orleans and Paul’s CP3 Foundation and help restore playgrounds on the Lower Ninth Ward.

LeBron is known for taking his costume very, very serious. Last year he got the help of a film studio to re-create his authentic Batman costume. Hmmm, not a bad idea ...

MY FIRST JETS GAME!: A "W" BUT NO SMILES FOR FAVRE

2008-10-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

Today I went to my first NFL Game (not as a fan, that is) - New York Jets vs. Kansas City Chiefs.

Lets get a couple things out of the way before I attempt at any sort of analysis-

First of all, how come New Jersey hasn't sued the Jets - or Giants for that matter - for not changing their name to "The New Jersey Jets" or "The New York Jets of New Jersey"? I, of course, am not serious, but bring this up in reference to the millions of dollars Anaheim spent fighting to keep their city's name associated with the Angels, which ended in the team being named the tongue twisting and lengthy "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim." I mean, I do feel bad for Anaheim. The Angels are in Anaheim after all, not Los Angeles. And as I discovered today, the Jets play in New Jersey, not New York.

Now on to the game -
The Jets win over the Chiefs should have been a blowout. New York barely escaped a loss in Sunday’s 28-24 mistake-ridden game at the Meadowlands.

There’s no doubt that last week’s controversy over whether Brett Favre gave the Lions information about the Packers (he flatly denies this, in case you've been in another country) was still a distraction for the vet. Favre threw three interceptions and two touchdowns in the game and continued to play despite being shaken up by a late first quarter hit. He has now thrown seven interceptions in his last three games.

It wasn’t that the Chiefs were spectacular. In fact, they were mediocre at best. The Jets however, made mistake after mistake and were unable to execute against a middling Kansas City team. Jay Feely missed a 36-yard field goal in the first quarter, which would have brought the score to 10-0 and set the pace for the game, but instead Kansas City answered with a touchdown, tying the game 7-7. The Jets Leon Washington scored on a sweet 60-yard run, which the Chiefs answered with a touchdown pass to Mark Bradley with just four seconds left, bringing the score to 14-14 at the half.

Favre reemerged in the second half calmer and more efficient, but was still nearly out played by the Chiefs’ QB Tyler Thigpen. Tyler who? Exactly...

For all the hype about Jets fans being crazy, the stadium seemed lifeless, even with the Jets down only 17-14 in the third after a KC field goal. After some back and forth action and a close call at the end when the Jets ball was intercepted for the third time and the Chiefs scored on a 91-yard run, bringing the score to 24-21 with just a few minutes left, what was left of the crowd looked doubtful. (1/4 of the crowd disappeared from their seats by the 4th quarter- the team was only down three points- have they no faith?)

At times, it appeared both teams were playing Red Rover out there instead of systematic series of plays (like my analysis?). With just a minute left and down three points, the Jets came through with a last second touchdown, finishing the game 28-24 as the clichéd We Will Rock You sounded in the dome (can Giants Stadium be considered a dome? It is dome-shaped ... hmm).

Overall the Jets were inconsistent, mixing penalties and interceptions with the occasional Sports Center-worthy play. Favre left the locker room after the game with a slight limp, his head down and his sweatshirt thrown over his shoulder, not looking like a QB coming off a win. If the Jets would have lost the game to the Chiefs, there is no doubt that any hope for the season would have been deflated. And while it's not the win that they wanted - there was certainly not much celebrating in the locker room after the game - it's still a "W" and there is hope to rebound. However, the Jets are 1 for 3 on the road and will have to step things up next week when they head to Buffalo to take on the Bills.

Other notes: Joe Namath was wandering around the press box before the game. He was here with former teammates to bask in the glory and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1968 Jets team for a special halftime celebration. Whoo hoo. That's all I have for you.

QUOTE OF THE GAME

2008-10-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

"And up to bat, here comes Evan 'Don't call me Eva' Longoria."
-Baseball Announcer, Game 3 Tampa Bay v Philly

RAIN DELAYS AND THE DECISION: USC OR WORLD SERIES?

2008-10-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

Of course. Game 3 of the World Series just has to start at the same time at the USC v Arizona game. Damn you rain delays! Now I have to chose which channel to watch more- my beloved Trojans or the World Series. I'll have to be constantly hitting the "Last" button on my remote, but what if I miss an awesome play? So lame. I guess I could TiVo both games just in case, but do I really need to do that?

I'm should just be thankful the USC game is on TV in the East Coast. There's been a few games that haven't played on TV unless I paid for them. That is ridiculous. It should be a rule that every top 15 team in the BCS has to be shown nationwide. I shouldn't have to resort to refreshing ESPN.com or listening to the game on my computer. I'm not talking about Fresno State here. This is USC! A power house!

Oh, and P.S., how amazing is Cole Hamels? He has a sick change up. He's obviously not pitching tonight, but I'll use any excuse to post a picture of him.

In case you are wondering, I'm rooting for the Phillies, only for the sake of the Dodgers so they won't feel as bad for losing the NLCS. It's hard to root for Tampa Bay and their bandwagon fans. I mean, I lived in Los Angeles, some of the biggest bandwagon fans of them all. They love you when you're hot and ditch you when you're not. It's not a bad thing neccesarily. People should be rewarded for winning. But Tampa Bay makes Los Angeles look like Red Sox fans. It's sad.

And lastly, go Trojans! Slowly moving up the rankings one week at a time even though they continue to play unranked teams ... and for people to say history and name recognition doesn't matter- ha! It's like a frat. There's just certain privileges you get for being around for a few years longer than the pledges. You can't just decide to be good one year and think you deserve top ranking! Show some consistency over a few years and then the voters will consider you. Deal with it.

I'M BACK, ROLLING STONE SOLD OUT AND KOBE CAN DANCE

2008-10-25T17:26:00.000-07:00

Well hello, New York. I'm back.

I've probably lost all my readers at this point and frankly, I don't blame them. I moved to New York, didn't have internet for two weeks and gave up writing my beloved blog while I adjusted to the Big Apple, started a new job and went on more dates in three months than I've been on in three years (no joke).

I got emails from readers, including one from a girl in Australia and my most dedicated fan, the talented Lakers insider Beto Duran, wondering why I stopped writing and wondering when I would start it up again.

There were many moments I wanted so badly to write something - hilarious conversations overheard on the subway, watching the Dodgers playoffs and wanting oh so badly to be in L.A., interviewing the Williams sisters at the US Open, watching my first USC game in a NYC bar, watching the Presidential debates on my living room rug, having my mom call me every time she is in a grocery store and sees an OK! Magazine with my picture in it, Tina Fey as Sarah Palin, my first paparazzi chase, going to Yankee Stadium for the first time to watch the Red Sox v Yankees game, going on Entertainment Tonight and Extra (sweet!), kicking butt at poker at an Atlantic City casino, running into three Celtics players walking the streets in the East Village and embarrassing myself when USC alum Gabe Pruitt didn't remember me (I'm blaming it on my brown hair), playing at open mic night, and going on dates with various NYC men I've nicknamed so my roommate can keep them all straight:

1. Harvard
2. Art Boy
3. Toronto
4. The Swimmer
5. Hot Paparazzi
6. Chemist
7. Doctor
8. The Jew
9. Political Guy
10. Agent
11. Non-Exec Exec
12. Movie Dude
13. Sexy Nerd

Needless to say, it's been interesting.

In the last week there have been various occurrences I've wanted to write about -

The new Rolling Stone!!! They've changes the mag from an ESPNish look (which rocks my world) - bigger pages, larger pictures and an authentic feel; to the smaller size of every other shelf mag - glossy and run-of-the-mill. Sell outs.

OLD:
NEW:

Ok, ok, so it's just a few inches, but Rolling Stone is iconic. However, if they were going to chose someone to put on their new cover, Barack Obama was the perfect choice for the CHANGE. Get it? However, this is Barack's third RS cover, so um, yeah. We get it, you endorse him.

Anyways, what really made me finally give in and decide to start my blog back up was watching this AMAZING new Guitar Hero commercial with Kobe Bryant, Michael Phelps, A-Rod and Tony Hawk.

I've watched it now at least 15 times. This is even better than Joe Torre's commercial, which made its way all the way to the East Coast during the playoffs!

So yeah, I'm back. I'm sorry. And one day, I hope to regain the trust of my readers.

Write on, and rock on.

MANNY RAMIREZ AND THE HAIR DILEMMA

2008-08-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

"Dude, I totally had to cut my hair! You better not be getting special treatment from Lord Torre."

In case you’ve been sleeping all day and haven’t heard, my buddy Manny Ramirez is coming to the Dodgers!!!

… and of course this happens just four days before I’ll be taking off to New York. Sad. Guess this means I won’t be getting any Salsa lessons.

I’m sure you’ve been oversaturated with talk on this whole Manny trade. Basically, the Dodgers get him for free. They lose nothing and gain one of the best hitters of our time. Did I say it's pretty much for free? They don’t have to pay a dime and as Ned Colletti said yesterday, they’re “renting him for two months, hopefully more.” (the "more" meaning they make it to the playoffs and beyond).

The problem the Dodgers now face is what to do with their outfielders. They already had one too many before and now they have two too many (Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Juan Pierre, Andruw Jones and the newly aquired Manny). It’s laughable to think that Jones would stay in the lineup, they need Matt Kemp and in my meager opinion it’s really decided between Pierre and Ethier. Although Pierre is just too good … but then so is Ethier.

THE HAIRY SITUATION (from the ESPN's Mag.com)

With Manny Ramirez arriving in Los Angeles today, there are still many loose ends to be tied up. Among them: What will happen to L.A.'s overstaffed outfield? How will the lineup shake out? Can Manny being Manny bring Dodger Blue out of the blues? And, most importantly, what's going to happen to Manny's free-flowing dreads?

Earlier this year, Joe Torre asked Joe Beimel to cut his long tresses, and the pitcher willingly obliged. But will Torre ask his latest addition to the roster to do the same?

To find out what Beimel had to say about the hair dilemma and for more on previous hair situations in baseball CLICK HERE for ESPN's The Mag Daily.

THOUGHTS ON THE DO'

2008-07-31T10:08:00.000-07:00

Response to my new brunette do:

From a fellow reporter: "Your IQ level just went up 15 points."

From Russell Martin: "When did you do it? I think it looks good."

From my mom: "Do you like it?

From a friend: "Oh, my god, I love it!"

From an acquaintance: "Did you do something to your teeth?"

PROOF I PLAYED BALL AT DODGER STADIUM!

2008-07-30T00:12:00.000-07:00

Annual Dodger Media Game 2008

I finally got pictures from that amazing day where I got to play baseball at Dodger Stadium in the annual media game. I was one of only three girls who played (the other two were way better than me, I confess). If you'll notice, I am smiling the entire time.

Smiling when I'm standing at home plate. Smiling when I hit the ball. Smiling as I run.

Look at the grin on my face! Unfortunately we lost, but who really care?! If only we did this every week ...

Laura Lane up to bat and thinking: "Ok, elbow up, knees bent ... Let's hope the pitching coach doesn't throw a 95 mph fastball at me."

"And swing!" (still smiling)

EDITORS UPDATE: I've been told my swing sucks by many people. FYI guys, yes, I realize that. But thanks for the technical advice.

"What?! I hit the ball? Really??? Sweet ... Oh yeah - Run!"

"Ha! No big deal. That's how the pros do it. What can I say?"

EARTHQUAKES AND GOODBYES FROM CALI

2008-07-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

There was a significant earthquake in California about 10 minutes ago. It was a 5.8 magnitude located in Chino Hills according to the USGS Caltech Seismic Net (it's this awesome website that updates seismic activity in Cali every couple minutes).

It was 29 miles from Los Angeles and could be felt down to Orange county and even San Diego. There's been no sizeable aftershocks so far (at least none that I've felt 29 miles away from the epicenter).

Funny that this happened just a week before I moved to New York. Luckily nothing broke in my apartment. I went under the doorway like I'm supposed to. However, considering how old my building is, perhaps I should have ran outside like a few of my neighbors did.

Must be my goodbye from California.

UPDATE: It's been a half hour now and my phone is still haven't difficulty connecting calls and it refuses to send text messages. Damn you Sprint phone lines! ... On the bright side, god bless the internet.

UPDATE 2: The earthquake has been revised down to a 5.4 from the initial 5.8. And more importantly, my phone is working.

BEST GAME IN THE WORLD (AND I GOT TO CHEER!)

2008-07-28T23:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, maybe not the best game cause we lost ... but I got to be a fan today! (as opposed to an unbiased reporter).

First and foremost, yes, I dyed my hair brown. Woke up this morning, said to myself, "I think I want to dye my hair brown," called the hair salon and two and a half hours later, Laura Lane became a brunette after spending a good 10 years as a blond.

Second of all, tonight was the best going away party EVER! I brought 20 of my friends and my amazing family to Dodger stadium to celebrate my going away in a ridiculously incredible suite that a friend of mine gave me for the night (food included!).

It also doesn't hurt being friends with the amazing people at the Dodgers organization. I ran into one friend as we walked in who told me I could bring two of my friend to the field for batting practice (I regretfully declined since I didn't want to hurt anyones feelings). And then I ran into another friend walking upstairs and 10 minutes later he brought everyone in my suite free Dodgers hats. It was perfect.

Despite the 7-6 loss to the Giants (I really thought they were making a comeback), it was an entertaining night that included Joe Torre getting kicked out the game, Casey Blake getting unusually upset after the second bad call by the umps of the night for him and Andruw Jones actually hitting the ball and getting on base (WTF?)!

My best (okay, only) present of the night was a box of wine, crackers, Perrier and other goodies from my friend Maddy with a note that read, "For your first picnic in Central Park." I almost cried.

It was an incredible boost of self-esteem to be at my first game where there is absolutely no question I knew more about the team than any of the other 20 people in the room. You see, normally I'm in the press box surrounded by the stat-smart press core who have about 25 years of baseball reporting experience on me, that far outdates my age and knowledge of the "good ol' days." However, I was proudly giving my friends more info than even I realized I knew about every batter, pitcher and player in the game.

"You've met all of them?!" one of my friends asked me. "Who's # 7? He's cute."

"James Loney," I replied. "I just did a story on him the other day actually. Real nice guy. He hit a homerun in the last game too."

I have to give a few of my not-so-sportsy friends credit for pretending to be interested in the game (most of them actually were interested), but seriously, there is no excuse to not know the words to "Take Me Out To The Ball Game." I mean, really! At least they caught on by the second round. Here's some more pics from the night:

SOUP KNOWS BEST

2008-07-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

There's no need to watch TV (besides Sports Center, Entourage and the Daily Show) when there is an amazing show called The Soup. If you're not a fan of the show, then you need to get on it. It's my weekly dose of laughter and catches me up on all the awful TV shows I wouldn't dare take the time to watch.

I used to go to tapings every week and before I left for NYC I needed to go to one more taping. I brought my family and this week they had guests on the show! Double the fun.

Joel Mchale and his amazing wife and kids are my second family and I figured it was time he meet my actual family before I take off for NYC.

The Soup always knows just how to point out how certain celebrity news shows are completely non-newsworthy, cheesy and an utter waste of time. However, a clip of the show is definitely worth your time.

WHY CELEBS SHOULD DRESS LIKE MATT KEMP

2008-07-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

Don't expect to see Dodger outfielder Matt Kemp wearing sunglasses indoors like so many other "too cool for school" celebs in H-wood.

"We don't wear sunglasses in the dark," Kemp explained to me today. "We only wear sunglasses when the sun's out. People wear sunglasses inside when they're hiding something. And I ain't got nothing to hide. You know what I'm saying?"

(The "we" he was talking about was his Dodger buddy, Juan Pierre, who he sits next to in the locker room).

I couldn't agree more! I never understood why celebs wore sunglasses indoors. If anything, it causes more attention. And it's not like it really hides their face much. We still know who it is.

I saw Kemp at the ESPY's last week and didn't even recognize him at first all dressed up in his suit. And he picked it out all by himself!

All he needed was some sunglasses like Greg Oden and he'd be set ... but as he explained, no sunglasses indoors. Oh, and for the record, I was joking about wearing the Greg Oden sunglasses.

A BLAKE FOR A BLAKE

2008-07-26T20:04:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Blake DeWitt, hello Casey Blake.

Yesterday Blake DeWitt was interviewed on ESPN 710 radio by Mason and Ireland where they asked him if he worries about competing to keep his 3rd base spot on the Dodger's roster. He basically brushed off the question and said that he tries his hardest every time he comes to the field and doesn't think about those things.

Ironically, the next day DeWitt was off the Dodger's roster. Today DeWitt was optioned down to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room for Casey Blake who was acquired today from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for two minor leaguers, catcher Carlos Santana and pitcher John Meloan.

I interviewed Casey Blake last month, who said similar words to DeWitt. He said, "If you want something bad enough, you've got to work harder than everybody else."

Unfortunately for DeWitt, that's not always true. However, he's young, hardworking and one of the nicest guys on the team and I'm sure he'll be back soon enough. For now, good luck to the Blake's.

GOLF + BOWLING > DATE + MOTORCYCLE

2008-07-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Getting stood up ... was probably the best thing that could have happened!

I mean, technically I wasn't completely stood up since the guy called, er, texted. The only reason I wanted to go out with him was because he drove a motorcycle, which I've never been on so it seemed somewhat rebelliously sexy to hop on the bike, hold on tight and ride through the streets of L.A.

We'd been running into each other a lot in the past month or so and the guy had been asking to get drinks with me for the last two weeks. We finally made plans a week ago, touched base the day before, touch base that day and then he TEXTS me an hour and a half before we're supposed to go out and says, "Hey baby, might have to postpone ... crap."

What?! Uhhhggg. Men! My text response? "No worries."

I wouldn't be so annoyed except for the fact that I had sold my car that day and was frantically trying to figure out which family member's car I could borrow to get back up to L.A. Once I finally piled all my stuff in the borrowed car, turned the ignition on and was about to leave the OC, I get the text. Uhhhgggg!

This is called dating Karma.

I'm moving in 2 weeks and shouldn't have even been going on a date anyways. I should just be spending time with family and friends ... but it would have been hot to go on a motorcycle.

Well, after the date cancellation text, I immediately called by bestie, apologized for ever choosing to hang out with a guy over her, and then drove to her house to meet up with her and my other friend.

We had heard rumors of some event held late Wednesday night in the summer at the Griffith Park golf course, where there's a bartender, DJ, BBQ, free driving range, the movie Caddyshack projected on the clubhouse wall and a costume contest for the person dressed in the best golf gear. It was apparently started by actor Jason Biggs.

We were on a mission for some random fun so we set out to find this incredible secret extravaganza. After an hour of getting lost in the Griffith Park hills, which made for many laughs as we tried to follow the directions we found on some blog, we made it.

And sure enough, there was a full bar, a hundred or so young folks lounging around the clubhouse, the movie Caddyshack silently playing in the background and dozens of golfers hitting balls off the driving range with a Stella Artois next to their basket.

I grabbed five balls off the ground and borrowed a fellow golfer's club in attempt to try my luck at the driving range. Turns out, hitting that tiny, white, dimpled ball is just as hard as throwing darts (another "sport" I'm pretty awful at - stand far away if you see me try ... ping pong on the other hand, I own).

Oh yeah, high-heels and all.

After an hour of golf course menacing, we decided to continue our night of randomness by heading to Luck Strike bowling alley. I had bowled there last week, but I didn't even finish a game and I let random party goers bowl for me half the time, so I must not have realized the secret bowling skills I had kept even from myself. I'm like, really good! Who would have thought?

Lucky Strike is my new favorite place. They always play ESPN on the big screens, the people there are always nice, you get to bowl, have a cocktail and you always end up meeting random fun people.

We were bowling next to two scensters - the girl had on overall shorts, tiny boots, a long feathered earring in the right ear, a hoop earring in the left and her hair pulled back in a long faux-hawk. The guy had Kanye sunglasses, tight pants, a neon shirt and rings on both hands that when across four of his fingers. He said he was a rapper. Every time one person would get a strike the other person would run out on the lane and have to break dance. It made for quite an entertaining spectacle watching the "rapper" spin on his head in between turns.

In the end, I beat both of my friends bowling, scoring 114 in the second game, which might not be pro-status, but for a girl who hasn't truly played in years, I was pretty impressed with myself.

While I might sound a bit competitive, I'm also the best cheerleader when one of my friends gets a strike or a spare. Our celebration included me running out to greet them on the lane, giving a high-five and then the two of us doing a brief swing dance and celebratory spin.

Let's just say the night beat any date I could have ever gone on. Golf and bowling is greater than a date and a motorcycle ride any day.

MY LOVE OF THE CAGES

2008-07-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

The batting cages are my new favorite thing to do. The only place nearby that has them is a place called Boomers, where there is also miniature golf, arcades and wall climbing. Meaning I had to navigate through 75 hyper-active 13 year-olds just to make way over to the cages. Needless to say, it was worth it.

I've worked my way from the 40 mph baseball cage to the 50 mph baseball cage, hit more than 200 balls and by the end of summer, I highly intend to be successfully in the 60 mph baseball cage.

Unfortunately, yet again, I was unable to find anyone who wanted to go with me. It seems, no one else has affection for the cages quite like myself. Not my brother, certainly none of my friends and even my dad, who had first introduced me to the cages at the age of 10, has a hurt shoulder now. Damn you people. Recognize the greatness of the batting cages.

JT'S AMAZING "I LOVE SPORTS" SONG

2008-07-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, I got to see this performance last Wednesday LIVE and it was even better than watching it on TV, but I just have to say, does Justin Timberlake read my blog? Because I posted that Ennio Marchetto video on the 4th of July and I swear that JT got some of his ideas for his incredible ESPY performance from that video. Just saying.

Anyways, I know awards shows can be dull (We all just like the red carpet pre-show anyways) but the ESPY's were AMAZING. If you watch anything, watch Justin's performance below. And Justin, I'm totally flattered you read my blog.

REGGIE MEET DAVE

2008-07-21T16:54:00.001-07:00

It was pretty cool introducing Brothers and Sisters star Dave Annable to NFL star Reggie Bush. I mean, who am I to be making the introduction? But I knew them both so I made it happen.

I met Dave Annable at a Celebrity Scrabble event a few weeks ago where we talked about sports (I had read an interview where he said he wanted to date a girl who liked watching sports. So of course I asked him what that was all about). He's a super nice (and good looking) guy so when I saw him standing at Lucky Strike at Matt Leinart's celeb bowling event, I immediately went to say hi.

"I think I just won a Led Zepplin guitar in the silent auction!" he says giving me a hug and introducing me to his friend.

"That's awesome!" I say. "Stairway to Heaven was the first song I even learned the words to because my dad would just replay it in the car. Are you bowling?"

"No, I'm not sure," he says. "Maybe. Are you?"

"Of course." I say. "We have a lane right over there."

After a few more minutes of chatting and pointing out who all is at the event, Annable mentions that he's never met Reggie Bush.

"I'll introduce you," I say. "Come with me!"

He follows me over to Bush and Kim Kardashian's lane, who I had just finished chatting with (Kim swore she's a better bowler than Reggie and then quickly took it back).

"Reggie, this is my friend Dave."

They exchange hand shakes and quickly chat.

"Man, I owe you," says Annable after the meet and greet.

"No problem," I say. "Well I'm going to go bowl now but I'll see you guys around."

Little did I realize I would be leaving soon and wouldn't see Annable again and who knows when we'll cross paths next. Oh well ... he did say he owes me. Drinks, perhaps? Anyways ...

The athletes and celebs included Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, Kim Kardashian, Keith Rivers, Shaun Cody, Brody Jenner, Wilmer Valderama and a bunch others. Leinart hosted the bowling event for his charity, invited all of his rich celebs friends and I, along with a bunch of other media attended. Of course, I went to school with half of these guys at USC, so I was extra happy to get to hang with my fellow Trojans.

Afterwards I went with a bunch of the guys to Hollywood club Goa where I officially became the coolest older sister in the world when I managed to sneak my 18 year-old sister into the club using my I.D. It was the first event I'd ever brought her to (I'd feel super guilty if I left L.A. before bringing her to any cool celeb event). Earlier at bowling she apparently told another bowler that I'm too over-protective of her (it's true), so getting her in the club more than made up for that. My innocent and celeb-stricken sis was already in awe getting to bowl next to Brody Jenner and Reggie Bush so this pretty much topped things off.

(Bringing the lil' sis along for my H-wood fun and of course, showing the 'fight on!' sign for my Trojans.)

We danced for awhile and soon Greg Oden and Bridgette from the Girls Next Door showed up to join in the fun. Oh Hollywood! It was a random night of bowling, dancing with my former USC Trojan buds, taking the lil' sis along, and, of course, getting to chat again with the gorgeous Dave Annable.

Damn, why do I want to move to N.Y. again? With all these gorgeous, talented, nice and charming men ...

Good luck finding that girl who likes watching sports. I'll be in NYC ... watching sports.

MANNY BEING MY BUDDY

2008-07-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

Manny Ramirez and I are buddies.

I was covering the Red Sox-Angels series (which the Angels swept) and by Sunday, Manny was introducing me to his teammates, talking about the good ol' days on Cleveland and talking about Salsa dancing.

I interviewed Julian Tavarez last week, who I had met two years ago through a friend and we started talking about the old days and a prank that Sandy Alomar played on him and Manny back when they were 19 or 20 year-old rookies playing for Cleveland. Sandy told Manny and Julian and another teammate that he could lift all three guys with one arm because he had voodoo powers and if he couldn't he would give them $3,000. The guys agreed, so they got tied up and instead of lifting them, the vets poured trash on them, took their clothes during the game and gave them hula costumes to wear as the typical rookie hazing.

"I said, 'All my family is waiting outside,'" Tavarez told me. "I was so little and so skinny and I don’t know what to say because my underwear was gone too and all I had was a skirt on and a bra and a hat and a purse. The manager told me if I don’t walk out side I don’t get my pay check. I said, 'Manny what are you going to do?' And Manny said, 'I’m from New York. I’m not going outside.' And I said, 'I need my pay check to support my family. I’m going out.' I went out. We’ve still got the tape."

Manny says he did end up going outside in the costume. Needless to say, they weren't pleased.

On Sunday, I told Manny that Julian had told me the story and he started cracking up and talking about how much he loved playing for Cleveland because of all the guys on the team. Now, Manny rarely does interviews, so I was a little shocked he was chatting me up considering they had lost the last two games. Then he started blaring some Salsa music in the clubhouse asked if I knew how to Salsa dance.

"Nope, never have," I reply.

"You should get lessons. See that guy over there. He is the best Salsa dancer," says Manny.

"Oh yeah?" I say.

"But you have to wear shorts like these," says Manny pulling out some of his long spandex shorts.

"I'll wear those shorts, when you wear the hula costume you and Julian had to wear."

Who knows, if the contract negotiations don't work out with the Red Sox, Manny just might end up in Cleveland or another ballpark soon.

LENO TO LEAVE SHOW IN MAY

2008-07-21T16:33:00.001-07:00

Sad day for Leno fans.

NBC announced that Jay Leno's official last day on the Tonight Show is May 29th. Conan O'Brien will take over the show and Jimmy Fallon will take over for Conan.

It's no surprise Leno is leaving but setting the actual date makes it so much more real! I don't see why they don't just make the date sooner so we can all move on and Leno can find another job.

I like Jimmy but not as a Late Night host. He needs the attention, doesn't really know how to be self-deprecating and if you watch SNL skits, when things get awkward, he removes himself from the skit instead of going with it.

Leno will likely move to another network and find success there. NBC basically pressured him into agreeing that he would leave in 09' a few years ago because Conan threatened to leave if they didn't give him the prime spot ... allegedly. Then Jay realized that he wasn't done doing TV and he doesn't want to leave but it was too late and the money had been paid.

I went to a taping of Leno two months ago and in between skits he seemed so sad, just staring off into space. Poor Jay. But it was a great show, of course, and I had a blast with my friends - which you might have already read about in my early post "Adventures at the Tonight Show."

Good times, good times.

NECKLACE BEHIND RED SOX SUCCESS?

2008-07-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

When I was covering the Red Sox this past weekend, I couldn't help but notice that a bunch of the players including Mike Timlin, Manny Ramirez, Clay Buchholz and few others were wearing these camoflauge necklaces around their necks. Now I knew it couldn't be for style so I asked relief pitcher Mike Timlin what the deal was with the necklaces.

"It’s that titanium thing," he explained, adding that they were handed out to the team. "It’s suppose to realign your energy or something like that."

Well, I looked into the necklaces and got some more info and found out that Buchholz and Josh Beckett are actually endorsers of the necklace along with a few other MLBers on other teams.

INFO ON THE NECKLACE:

The Phiten Titanium Necklace is worn by athletes on a daily basis to relieve pain and stress. The strands of Phiten's revolutionary necklace are coated with Phiten's water soluble Aqua-Titanium. The Phiten necklace's core has micro sized Titanium spheres, as well as Carbonized Titanium; designed to stabilize the flow of electric current and increase your body's energy level. Showcases a clip fastener closure for easy on and off action. The Phiten Titanium 22'' necklace is ideal for sports lovers, enhancement of athletic abilities, fatigue reduction, relaxation and refreshment. Hand wash reccomended. 22-inch design. The Titanium Necklace from Phiten can also be worn on the wrist, ankle or waist to quickly relieve pain and stress. Now available in new Camouflage designs.

Available Colors: Black, Navy, Red, Dark Brown Camouflage, Moss Green Camouflage, Black/Gray Camouflage

What is Aqua Titanium? ''Aqua Titanium'' is the name used for titanium particles dissolved in water. It represents Phiten's successful effort to bond titanium molecules with water molecules, which had heretofore been considered infeasible, using a unique technology. Phiten's original technology causes titanium to dissolve in water (Aqua Titanium) and lets the titanium particles thus obtained permeate each fiber of the material fabric. Phiten products, made of these specially processed fabrics deliver the natural health-promoting properties of titanium to various parts of your body. Phiten necklaces have quickly become the choice of professional athletes everywhere and can be seen regularly on baseball players of all levels.

More info.

AFTER-AFTER-AFTER PARTIES ESPY MADNESS

2008-07-19T01:22:00.000-07:00

I met Brady Quinn.

It's going to be pretty damn hard to top my night at the ESPY's. For starters, I rarely stay out past 1am and I got home, via cab, at 5am.

I was excited all week for the ESPY's. My heiress roommate loaned me her $800 dress and I was ready to go. I arrived to the ESPY's with my friend Arash, barely making the 5:30 "doors closing" cutoff for the 6pm show. One of my amazing mentors at ESPN scored me a ticket. My seat was at Orchestra level, which was better than some of my celeb friends that walked the carpet. Dodgers player Matt Kemp was seriously in the row in front of me. I run into World Series of Poker Champion Jamie Gold as I walk in. He's one of the nicest guy's ever and now I know the night is off to a good start.

Justin Timberlake was the perfect host for the ESPY's. Ridiculously funny, charming, prepared and god damn talented. I had taken all of these notes from the ESPY's but I don't even care about those anymore because you should seriously just watch the show for yourself. What I want to talk about is the after parties.

After-party:

Once inside I saw about 25 friends and colleagues that I knew. I sit down to eat and start chatting with some famous boxer who's name I can't remember when the entire Celtics team walks in. Kendra and the Girls Next Door are eating a few tables next to me, Greg Oden walks in, I'm introduced to Tony Gonzalez, Terrell Owens enters with his entourage and Kate Walsh looks hot in her purple dress as she's chatting up a hot Tom Brady look-a-like by the door. Later, the Tom Brady look-a-like comes over to talk to me and my friend and I find out his name is Ryan and he's not athlete at all. He's an actor on some show called "Chuck" and thinks it's super cool that my friend and I are into sports, specifically that she is into Fantasy sports. After two of my colleagues and I make a few rounds around the party they invite me to the after-after party. They've got the "in." That's how it's done in Hollywood.

The after-after party is at a huge church downtown. I've been to a Snoop Dogg concert and Grammy party there before, which means I know where the bathrooms are. Once inside I see Derek Fisher whom I haven't seen since the NBA playoffs. He introduces me to his wife and we crack up about a certain scandle that happened a month ago he thinks is hilarious. "This is the girl from that story I told you about!" he says to his wife. Nice.

Matt Leinart's also at the party so I briefly chat up my former college classmate. "I like the look," I say eyeing his baby blue sweater. "I think I'm a little too preppy," he says.

Michael Vartan and his friend happen to be at the party as well and at this point we're at the hugging stage. We all hug and chat about the ESPY's which they missed. I fill them in on the det's.

T.O. and pretty much every other A-list athlete from the ESPY's and the first after-party make their way to this one and by 2am it's time for the after-after party. My incredible two friends toss me a wrist band and we cab it over to the Standard hotel. They're amazing and they've also got another "in" to an even more exclusive bash.

I didn't think it was possible to get more athletes into one party but I feel like I'm in some mega-star locker room. There's only one person worth mentioning though and that is Brady Quinn. Say what you will about his football skills, Brady Quinn was my second favorite athlete for the last four years (it was Barry Zito, Brady Quinn, Scott Podsednik and Tom Brady) and I was never able to meet him even at the Notre Dame football game in South Bend. I don't ever get nervous or too excited to see athletes or celebs (I mean I interview them on a daily basis) - but this was Brady Quinn. It'd be like meeting Zack Morris when I was in middle school. I introduced myself, met his gorgeous girlfriend and then sat down on the couch of the hotel room to take a breather, thinking, "Shit, there's no way to top this. Ever. I went to the ESPY's. Best show ever. I met Brady Quinn. I'm at an after-after-after party. And I met Brady Quinn."

By 5am, it was well past my bed time so I jumped in a cab and after the cab driver made a few wrong turns, I eventually ended up at my apartment, where I laid down and thought, "There's no way I'm making my 9am appointment in Orange County tomorrow."

PLAYBOY MANSION AND THE MICHAEL VARTAN MEETING

2008-07-19T00:34:00.000-07:00

The ESPY's are a pretty fantastic time of year. It's a battle of the coasts. While half of the athletes and celebs head to the East Coast for the All-Star game, the other half are in Tinsel Town for the ESPY's. I was on the West Side of things. On Monday I was invited to go to the Playboy ESPY party, which I gladly accepted. I had promised my best friend that I would somehow take her to the Playboy Mansion before I left for New York and I was not about to go back on a promise.

I also promised her six months ago I would introduce her to Michael Vartan, which was randomly another promise I was able to accomplish that night.

I had met Vartan at a Blackberry event a while back with his friend who had a broken arm from a hockey injury. Vartan had been off of "Alias" for awhile and was on a new show that I loved called "Hot Shots." He told me his new show sucked and he didn't know why I liked it. So instead we ended up talking about the hockey league he is in. The whole time I kept thinking, "My best friend Katie and him would totally hit it off. They need to meet."

When I told her the next day that they needed to somehow meet so that they would fall in love, her response was something like, "Sure, Laura. Set it up. Oh, and while you're at it, would you mind introducing me to Brad Pitt and George Clooney?" Still, I insisted I would make it happen and ever since then it's been an ongoing joke with us.

Six months later at the Playboy Mansion, there was Michael Vartan with the same friend (minus the cast) standing at a table next to us.

"Katie, you're coming with me!" I said grabbing her hand.

"Michael, Laura Lane. I met you at that Blackberry party a few months ago."

"Hey! That's right. How are you?" Vartan said.

"Your arms all better," I said to his friend. "No more hockey injuries?"

And with that, the ice was broken and I made the introductions. They chatted for about 15 minutes, but unfortunately Katie felt no sparks. That is besides the point though. The point is, when you say something will happen it does. Seriously. I said I would get a job in New York within 6 months. And I start a job 6 months later. The ultimate proof of this happened a year ago. As I was walking up to a club I said to my best friend, "I wish Barry Zito here." And no joke, my favorite athlete was sitting at a table when I walked in. I ended up with a few friends at his house later that night playing guitar and listening to Beatles music. I said it and it happened.

This year, I said I would introduce my best friend to Michael Vartan. And, well, I did.

Other highlights at the Playboy Mansion were seeing my USC buddy Keith Rivers, making fun of Greg Oden's dancing skills, chatting with Kendra from the Girls Next Door (whom I pretended to be BFF's with although we've met only twice, none of which she remembers), insisting to Ray Allen that I wasn't really a Lakers fan, seeing my favorite person Sasha Vujacic who gave me a huge hug when he saw me (he even got up from his poker table!), running around like a 6 year-old when I find the empty game room at the mansion and having a 10 minute conversation with Bill Maher at the bar.

Maher went off on a shpeal about how the ESPY's are bullshit "because sports doesn't need an awards show to figure out who the best team is because they have a little thing called competition to figure that out." I strongly disagreed but had little to argue my side with. After all, who was I to try and win a debate with Bill Maher?! I immediately called my mom and dad and told them I met him. They're big fans.

With my fellow sports reporter and bestie.

I PLAYED BASEBALL AT DODGERS STADIUM!

2008-07-19T00:19:00.001-07:00

(Photo editors note: real picture of me playing at Dodgers Stadium to come soon)

I played baseball at Dodgers stadium. Seriously.

I still don't really believe it. I stood at the plate, hit a ball, caught (ok, attempted to catch and completely mis-judged how far back to go) balls in center field. You see, the amazing people at the Dodgers organization throw a media game every year that I had the chance to play in it. Not everyone can play. One of my good friends was told he couldn't play because he hadn't followed the team long enough and for some reason I got to play with my esteemed fellow journalists.

It was pretty sick. I got some tips from a few of the players before hand. They said, "Don't fuck up." Nice. While I was warming up Hanley Ramierez walked by and I asked him if he wanted to join my team. He said no. Some of the other Marlins walking to the buss were a little more helpful in their advice, however.

I'd like to consider myself an okay all-around athlete ... but I take it all back. Despite, playing sports in high school, I hadn't played baseball since middle school. Some time between then and now my arm did the weirdest thing. It started throwing like a girl. You know that scene in "Rookie of the Year" where he is on the mound and all of the sudden he falls and his magic arm is gone and he can't throw anymore? That's how I felt. My hitting on the other hand wasn't so bad ...

I was so nervous about the game that I went to the batting cages the morning before to practice. All of my guy friends think I am the coolest chick in the world for going to the cages by myself but seriously, I think I might make it a regular thing now. I started out in the 60 mph baseball (baseball, not softball let me point out) cage, sucked, went down to 50 mph, sucked, went down to 40 mph, sucked, stuck it out and within 45 minutes I was hitting every ball that came my way. Granted it was 50 mph slower than the pros get, but give a girl some credit.

I had a good story to tell at the bar that night when I had my hands all taped up covering my blisters. It paid off though because I hit the ball both times up at bat in the game on the first pitch! Which was a baseball! Which was thrown by one of the pitching coaches for the Dodgers!!! AMAZING, right!?

Well, my team lost. Even the incredible Beto Duran, who had the first hit in the game couldn't secure our win. Oh well, there's always next year.

WHAT YOU MISSED AT DODGER STADIUM

2008-07-18T23:51:00.000-07:00

I've been M.I.A. lately ... and I apologize profusely. However, it with good reason, which you'll read about here. My friends hate me because I can rarely hang out. And I have no clue what I would have done if I would have stayed working at E! until I left because I don't have time to breathe let alone have a day job. And now that I've said my apologies I will hopefully entertain you with some exciting info you can't find anywhere else.

To start, here are some awesome notes I took during the past four Dodgers games I was at. Oh, the little things I tend to notice.

Wednesday: Atlanta Braves v Dodgers

-People are still talking about the fan that ran out to the field and started break dancing the other day. Awesome. How did I miss that?!
-Dodgers win 2-1

Thursday: Florida Marlins vs. Dodgers

-One of the Marlins is making beer orders on the phone before the game. He orders Newcastle, Stella and says people don’t like Heineken … huh?
-Andre Either apparently has a cooking blog!?
-The Bachelor and Bachelorette (Deanna Pappas, and her fiance Jesse Csincsak) are here to throw out the first pitch and have a make out sesh before going out to the mound. Dan Uggla comes up to them and introduces himself to say what a huge fan he is of the show. Seriously?!
- I’m currently fascinated with the songs players choose for themselves when they come to the mound. Two of my fav’s: Jonathan Broxton’s got “Johnny B. Good” and Takaishi Saito’s “Bad to the Bone.”
-Russell Martin is sporting a new faux-hawk look. The joke is that when he changes his hair it’s good luck.
-Rafael Furcal has returned to the locker room from back surgery and lifts ups his Christian Audigier shirt to show off his scar to a couple teammates. He says he’ll be back in 6-8 weeks, maybe in September of this year.
-Joe Torre’s desk has no signs of his Yankee past. He has two snow globes on his desk with floating golf balls inside. He also had a Donald Trump figurine sitting at a desk that says “The Apprentice.”
-Dodgers lose 4-5

Friday: Florida Marlins vs. Dodgers

-Blake DeWitt gets rookie of the month
-Martin’s faux-hawk is gone. He’s shaved it off. What else could he possible do to his hair now? “Maybe I’ll add some lines on the side like Kanye,” Martin says. Perhaps he changed it just in time for the All-Star game.
-Hermida hits a homerun, and Ramirez and him bring the score to 2-0 just 4 minutes after the game started in the first.
-Another one! Cantu, third guy up hits a homerun! 3-0 with the first three guys up at bat. The 4th guys, Willingham, almost hit another one deep into center field but it's caught.
-Andruw Jones gets booed. Poor dude.
-Dodgers lose 1-3

Saturday: Florida Marlins vs. Dodgers

-I’m not there but the Dodgers lose 3-5

Sunday: Florida Marlins vs. Dodgers

-Takiashi Saito is reading a Japanese pitching coach’s memoir in Japanese before the game.
-Matt Kemp and Delwyn Young are talking about their beach plans in Manhattan during the All-Star break. Young says he’s getting floatees, and umbrella, Corona and a beach chair. Nice.
-In the other locker room, Hanley Ramirez is avoiding the media by playing a 1980 arcade game and putting headphones on and dancing in the locker room.
-The US Olympic women's Water polo team throws out first pitch. “Look at the shoulders on those girls!” says a reporter next to me.
-Joe Nelson’s nickname is Jellybean because he poured a thing of jellybeans in his car and whenever it starts it smells like jellybeans. I love it.
-Dodgers win 9-1. Seriously?! Did they save all their runs for Sunday or what?

MY DODGER VIDEO BLOG!

2008-07-11T02:06:00.000-07:00

It's your very first Fast Lane Dodger Update! Whoo hoo! This is my first video blog, so be kind.

I promise I've got lots of fun insider info in these insightful 2 minutes - including why Russell Martin's hair could be the reason why the Dodgers are winning!

NOT EXACTLY THE KENTUCKY DERBY BUT -

2008-07-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

I'd say it's even better! Better than the derby, you say? Oh yes.

That is if you ignore the sounds of gunshots a few blocks away in Inglewood, the bird-poop covered seats and the beer-bellied regulars yelling profanities.

The weekly horse races at Hollywood Park (don't let the name fool you, this is definitely not Hollywood) is quite the scene. While the crowd of grungy gamblers dressed in old jeans, ketchup-stained shirts and leather jackets from 1992 are certainly not the upscale Kentucky Derby crowd of billionaire caramel-colored suit wearers next to trophy wives in Jupiter-sized hats, who said people need to dress like they're going to an Elton John party to bet on some horse races?

(Photo editors note: Cristina gets credit for wearing a long Kentucky Derby-style dress.)

And who can argue with $1 hot dogs, $1 beers (don't let the $2 beer cup fool you, the cup size is less than double of the $1 version), $2 bets and suites for $3 (however, don't let the term "suites" fool you. Those are the bird-poop covered seats I referred to earlier. Keep expectations low, and you'll never be disappointed!)?

Yes, the Hollywood Park races are an underrated spectacle of L.A. I was lucky enough to partake in the fun. I didn't do so bad either on the betting side of things. I won $12 (though I spent $20) and finally got the hang of horse betting. Always bet to win.

That's my motto - go big, or go home!

RUN-INS WITH THE EX

2008-07-07T17:33:00.001-07:00

Run-ins with the ex, whom you haven't seen in a year since he broke your heart can be a particularly awkward experience. This happened to me this weekend at a concert for a friend's band in L.A. Since it was a band I would regularly see with the ex, I had avoided any performances for the past year. But after the drummer had sent me four text messages begging me to come to the record release, I gave in.

I had cut off all contact with the struggling writer - turned major motion picture director (this transformation happened over the course of our dating. I can proudly say I fell for him during the 'struggling writer' faze. I've never been one to go for the successful Hollywood-types. They can be quite the stuck-up spotlight stealers).

I have to say I was impressed with the way things went and can now successfully leave L.A. knowing I have absolutely no feelings for any past romantic relationships. No fizzling feelings were brought back to life after the run-in. Uhg. None. At. All.

However, from the experience I have come up with five rules to follow when situations such as these arise:

1. When he smiles and waves, say hi, chat but be sure to be the first one to leave the conversation (this is important for all those times he said he had to get off the phone first).

2. Ignore his psycho ex-girlfriend-turned-best-friend whom always hated you when you were together. She'll come over and say hi but you both know she hates you. When she stands in front of you at the concert trying to dance super sexy, get up and leave. She'll casually turn around to see if you're looking at her, but by then you're already at the bar.

3. Don't go out of your way to say hi to any of his old friends whom also happen to be there. "Great," you think to yourself. Don't be alarmed. Smile, and say hi when they come over. And yes, they all come over. Oddly enough, they're curiously happy to see you. Remember, you look better than ever and you're moving soon for a hot new job, so you're the whole package this time around. Not him.

4. Don't say good-bye. In your old days, you would make any excuse to say good-bye, convincing yourself it was "rude" not too. You came to see the band. It's not rude. And you forgot he was even there.

5. Don't think too much into the whole night. No need to over-analyze anything. Okay, so you're single. But remember, so is he. Ha.

HAVE A FUNNY FOURTH!

2008-07-04T02:27:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! I'm skipping out on the over-crowded beaches and opting for some BBQ and pool time with the fam and topping off the night with fireworks at my old high school. Bringing it back this week, bringing it back.

I tried to find you a funny 4th of July video but instead, I came across an Ennio Marchetto video. Random, but oh so good.

OH, MY YOUTHFUL INSIGHT

2008-07-03T03:31:00.000-07:00

I wrote this in a high school notebook (about the time I took this pic at the ripe age of 16 years-old) and just found it (along with this pic) as I was cleaning out my stuff from high school. I'm pretty sure I had more insight then than I do now. And god damn I was in good shape.

Laugh and the world laughs with you,
Cry and the world becomes the sea,
Dream and you'll lose your reality,
Believe and your dreams become real,
Wish and you will never be satisfied,
Act and you will accomplish satisfaction,
Abstraction is a form of beauty,
And beauty is only a perception,
Fright is only the unknown,
And the odd is only the misunderstood,
Stupidity is believing what you're told,
Intelligence is creating new ideas,
Authority is what you think it is,
Don't question authority, challenge it,
Limitations aren't really there,
And options are endless,
Reality is only a dimension,
Truth is the only thing real,
Death is only the beginning,
And life is what you make of it

SO LONG SONICS, FAREWELL NEWSPAPERS

2008-07-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or has this been wayyyy down-played in the media? The Seattle Sonics are LEAVING Seattle! They're going to Oklahoma City, where they'll have a new name and new colors. The SuperSonics name, logo and green, gold and white colors will be left for a potential future franchise in Seattle.

I suggest banning the group who named Oklahoma City's Arena Football team from having any say whatsoever in re-naming the NBA team. Granted they're an expansion team so the name can be a little out there, but the Yard Dawgz!?! The Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz??? Honestly. Who is the person who came up with this name? I would love to talk to them. And better yet, who are the people that sat in the meeting and said, "That's a great name!" And someone else said, "We should spell it all weird too!" Yes, it's really spelled like that.

It must make it seem tougher that way. Real hard core.

I'm all about change but the Sonics have been it Seattle since 1967! It just doesn't seem right. Those people need something to cheer for through all that dreary rain. Well, at least they can still brag about starting Starbucks (never mind, they're closing 600 stores. Bad times for Starbucks too). Well, they have the Mariners and the Seahawks (damn, Wikipedia is fast to update the Seattle page and delete the Sonics - and update Oklahoma City's page with an entire "relocation" section).
Click here to find out why this whole mess happened.

***

In other news, the L.A. Times is cutting 250 jobs including 150 editorial jobs. I just hope all my friends over there are okay. They're combining a lot of the print positions and online positions, which makes a lot of sense, but 250 jobs! They're also down-sizing the paper by 15%! This is a sad day for the industry and newspapers everywhere.

There seems to be an on-going war between print and online within companies. A sort of disconnected that I've noticed. I hope that when the two merge all goes smooth through this difficult change. Hopefully they continue to recognize the different audiences - online, which likes constant updates, blogs and quick news and the more feature-based, in-depth writing that works for paper.

Well, good luck Sonics and newspapers.

P.S. Do you like my picture choice for the L.A. Times? Fight on! I kept a few L.A. Times sports sections as a keepsake from memorable USC football games that I still have in storage. While I may move to New York, my heart will always be with the L.A. Times.

COULD SASHA COME TO NEW YORK?!

2008-07-02T21:07:00.000-07:00

Sash Vujacic and Ronnie Turiaf are looking around the league to get a feel for their worth.

Sasha - please, oh please, come to New York!

Knicks - please, oh please, make an offer!

On Monday the Lakers made one-year offers to Sasha and Ronny, but they can match what any other team offers the guys. Sasha's offer was for $2.6 million and Ronny's for $1 mil. Not too shabby considering Sasha made $1,700,00 in the last season and Ronny made $770,000.

I would be the happiest person ever to see Sasha in NYC. What a fabulous familiar face. The chances of this happening are probably slim to none, but it doesn't hurt to hope. Sasha seems happy hanging beachside in Manhattan (the Cali one). However, the Lakers have started looking into Brent Barry and James Posey, should the guys decide to go with another team.

Not sure if the Knicks are really in need of a Sasha-y character anyways, but perhaps his spunk would be a breathe of fresh air for the rigidly uptight New Yorkers. There's no denying my affection for that enthusiasm, energy, dedication and of course, the hair. Oh, the hair. Not exactly New Yorkish hair, but he'd definitely fit in better than say, uh Luke Walton.

IF I HAD LOTS OF MONEY I WOULD ...

2008-07-01T23:39:00.001-07:00

Buy myself a circle bed.

(And of course, give to charity, pay off my school loans, own courtside seats next to Jack Nicholson, buy and renovate the Coliseum as a gift to USC, buy my mom a BMW convertible, take all my friends on vaca to Dubai, give to more charity ...)

But first, I would buy a circle bed. I really want one. For no particular reason. I just think they're really cool. (I know what you're thinking,"What has become of Laura Lane's blog when she is talking beds?" Oh, but remember, it's the randomness you hopefully enjoyed in the first place). These beds go for thousands of dollars; some more than $30 G's! Good Lord. One day, oh one day.

NEW MONTH, NEW MILK

2008-07-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

They've changed the milk cartons!

From this:

To this:

Personally, I'm all about the new and improved square jug. It's stackable, meaning we'll get fresher milk because they can transport more at a time, it's eco-friendly and it cuts costs. It's about time something went down in price! It's ridiculous for anyone to complain that they don't like the new jug. The only argument I've heard is that they're hard to pour. Well, dude, too bad. Work on your poor pouring skills then, sorry. Get used to change! Get used to gay marriage, black Presidents, cars running on electricity, solar powered houses and new square milk jugs. Welcome to 2008. We're improving, slowly but surely.

LIFE ON VACA

2008-06-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

It's absolutely body-numbing-shock to go from RIDICULOUS (yet utterly amazing) days like these, where I got like four hours of sleep and worked non-stop to go to an entire month of vaca (despite some baseball games, working on a book (maybe), sorting out my life, etc). My life has gotten so dull these past few days that my best friend Nicole brought me some books on tape (they're actually CD's but apparently still called books on tape for some unexplainable reason). Here's my excitement for the day:

7:30am-9:30am: (don't ask why I was awake, couldn't tell ya) Listened to the Colin Cowherd show on ESPN 710.
11- 12am: Cleaned my apartment and threw away the dead plants I forgot to feed (sorry, roomie who's away in Rome) while watching the Best of Mike and Mike on ESPN.
12-2pm: Drove home to the OC and ate Arbys (do they have that in NY?)
2-4pm: Hung out with my lil sis and bro, while he played online poker (he went to a casino last night and spent $300 and walked away with $3,800 playing poker. WTF?!?! Not fair.)
4-6pm: Read some articles online, finally responded to a few emails, helped the family cook some BBQ (I was in charge of the beans, which I somehow managed to screw up).
6-7pm: Ate BBQ with the fam (including the beans I somehow managed to screw up)
8-9pm: Booked my plane ticket to New York using credit from an unused flight to Ft. Lauderdale for spring break. I still have $55 credit! Whoo hoo! Yay for plane credit and yay for moving to NY! It's for real now!
9-whenever: I'll probably read (maybe) one of the 10 books I brought home and have been attempting for the last four days to read, waste some time staring at my ceiling, maybe do some of the things on my "To Do List", perhaps listen to some books on tape and then go to sleep and start my uneventful life over. I'll also have to listen to my little sister talk for five hours on the phone about her dramatic breakup with her boyfriend of 3 1/2 weeks. She's heartbroken apparently. Not to be insensitive, but ... (okay, maybe I'm just jealous she can hold a longer relationship than me. And no, weeks was not a mistype.).

There is a reason I keep myself ridiculously busy with work. I like it. I like to work. There. I admitted it. I think I've caught up on enough sleep to last me the next year. A four day vaca was enough. How will I honestly last four weeks??? On the bright side, I'll have a killer tan.

WHAT A CLOSE GAME!

2008-06-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

I love soccer. I played in high school. But soccer needs to seriously go through some reinvention, a'la hockey style, and figure out a way to score more points. Anyways, in a very close game (but aren't they all close?) Spain beat Germany 1-0 in the Euro 2008 Finals. Congrats Spain! Let the celebration begin! As I've said before, fan support is incredibly important and we all know the Spanish have fantastic pride. It was probably the fan support that helped Spain secure the win. They don't do it like this in Germany (or L.A. for that matter - can the Lakers borrow these guys next year, btw?).

ENRIQUE INGLÉS?

2008-06-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

Enrique Iglesias sang a song before the start of the Euro 2008 Soccer Finals. Apparently they do it differently overseas and they don't only sing during halftime. I was at home watching the game with my lil' bro, and something else besides the plays were baffling us.

Laura: "Is Enrique singing in English or another language?"

Jonathan: "English, of course."

Laura: "Spain is competing today. Are you sure it's not Spanish?"

Jonathan: "I'm pretty sure. I think I caught a couple English words."

Laura: "The song is called Can You Hear Me. But I can't hear what he's saying."

Jonathan: "Well me neither but if it was Spanish, don't you think all those fans would be singing along?"

Laura: "Um, definitely not."

SNEAKER WARS: NIKE VS. ADIDAS

2008-06-27T15:24:00.001-07:00

The real showdown at the Olympics this year comes down to two main competitors: Nike vs. Adidas.

You have to hand it to Forbes.com. They've totally reinvented their image and the content on their site to appeal to a more youthful audience. This is why I started subscribing to their newsletters six months ago. For all of you who have yet to notice the Forbes reinvention, you may have missed today's awesome article: "Sneaker Wars! The Olympics: It's All About The Shoes."

Cause, seriously, isn't it always about the shoes anyways? If you thought Sarah Jessica Parker was obsessed with shoes in Sex In The City, then you haven't spent much time around athletes or the male population in general (see: Turtle on Entourage), which is why this article is genius.

The real question is: What shoe do you prefer?

Here's a preview of the story or for the full version click here:

The Sneaker Wars
The Olympics: It's All About The Shoes

By: Tom Van Riper

Athletes competing at this summer's Olympics are fighting for a trip to the medal stand. For Nike and Adidas, the Beijing games are a brawl for 21st century dominance of the sneaker world.

While every Olympics is a dogfight for the longtime rivals, this year's games are a bigger deal. Beijing's the doorway into a vast new market. There are 2.6 billion feet in China, most of them without sneakers. Both companies expect the country to be its second-largest market, after the U.S., within a few years. "It's the ultimate land grab," says Swangard. "There's been no other Olympic year in this kind of growing market."

For Adidas (other-otc: ADDDY.PK - news - people ), it's especially important. After an ill-fated 2005 deal for Reebok failed to juice Adidas' results, the three stripes finds itself increasingly marginalized by the swoosh. Adidas sees this summer's Beijing Olympics as a way to make up ground.

...

But while referees and staff will be running around Beijing in their Adidas, the bulk of the athletes getting attention will be competing in their Nike gear--and getting most of the air time, both live during the games and in all the follow-up photos and video to be viewed for years to come.

As Smit puts it: "A high jumper will have a Nike shirt on while jumping, then an Adidas shirt when receiving a medal on the stand. Which would you rather have?"

SODA-MAMMA-TURKEY-BASTER!

2008-06-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting all week for someone to put this clip on You-tube of Kevin Garnett from the Finals and Joel McHale (the best TV host/person ever) making fun of him on the Soup. The Soup remains my favorite show on television.

Did someone just say soda-mamma-turkey-baster AND Hasselhoff? Oh, life doesn't get much better. No, no it doesn't.

COUPLES AND COUTURE

2008-06-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Kira Plastinina to Party Girl Radio!

We welcomed the Russian billionaire socialite (center), new "It Girl," 16-year-old entrepreneur and fashion designer to our radio show. She threw an amazing Sweet Sixteen party where Chris Brown performed and she debuted her fashion line. She already has 40 stores overseas and she recently opened stores in New York and California. All I know is that I certainly hadn't accomplished this much when I was sixteen. Must be nice. Watch out for Kira America! She's hot, sweet and ready to take over!

Check out our new show here!

I HEART PARTY GIRL RADIO

2008-06-24T23:50:00.001-07:00

Today my work bestie and Party Girl Cristina Gibson and I moved into the big radio studio at E! Entertainment because we had a guest on our show today, the new "It Girl" Kira Plastinina, who has recently moved to Malibu for the summer with her billionaire dad. Just as we were starting our show we saw Brody Jenner and his best friend Frankie walk by the studio and wave. They must have just stopped in at E! for a meeting. Oh, days like these will make me miss Cali and especially miss co-hosting the radio show with Cristina. Love ya, mean it, muah!

Check out the past radio shows here.

CELEBS PLAY BALL WITH THE PROS

2008-06-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

Just a day after the Dodgers received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the stars came out to Dodger Stadium for the 50th annual Hollywood Stars Game on Saturday. The celebrity softball game followed the Dodgers 7-2 loss to the Cleveland Indians, but by the time honorary captains Dodgers catcher Russell Martin and first baseman James Loney returned to the field, they were back in game mode.

The strategy is simple. “Score more runs than the other team,” Loney says.

“You just have to try to look good,” says David Arquette who insists he hasn’t played baseball since playing in the Hollywood Stars game two years ago. “I mean it’s really shallow. You always do look bad. It’s ridiculous. I’ve already embarrassed myself several times.”

Martin and former MLB player and Dodger broadcaster Steve Lyons coached the Blue team that included Arquette, James Van Der Beek, Jon Lovitz, Tom Arnold and Cristian de la Fuente. Loney and former Dodger third baseman Ron Cey coached the White team that included James Denton, Adam Carolla, Kendra Wilkinson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Carlos Mencia.

The rules are a bit different: six innings, no practice, bendable rules and utter chaos.

“They just cheated right now!” says Loney after Dodger’s second baseman Delwyn Young sneaks in the lineup and scores a homerun to put the only point on the board for Martin’s Blue team who is down 3-1. “I might have to step in there.”

“That’s what I do,” Young says. “I pinch hit!”

“Who’s this guy?” asks Arquette when Young returns from the mound after his homerun. “Is he a real player?”

After being informed that Young is in fact a “real” Dodgers player, Arquette, a self-proclaimed Dodger fan, is a bit embarrassed. “Oh, I should know that,” he says. “The Dodgers change their players so often I can’t even keep track. But that makes it a lot easier when they’re actually professional baseball players.”

Dodger pitcher Joe Beimel has also come over to check on Martin’s team but won’t be getting in the game anytime soon.

“Not a chance,” Beimel says eyeing the softball. “That ball is too big to be throwing around.”

There’s an abundance of water and towels around to help cool off the celebs from the sweltering temperature well-over 100 degrees.

“I can’t believe anybody wants to sit out here and watch the game,” Arnold says. “It’s so freaking hot. Most of the crowd is my ex-wives and they want checks.”

Lovitz, a fourth-row Dodgers season ticket holder, is a veteran of the celeb game. While he has yet to score a run for his Blue squad, he’s fine with bragging about his game-winning success in the past.

“I think the fence is farther away this year,” Lovitz says. “Two years ago I hit two homeruns but it seems a lot farther away.”

Former Dancing With the Stars contestant de la Fuente, used only one arm to hit an RBI single for the Blue team in the bottom of the 6th to bring the score to 3-2. De la Fuente played in the game despite receiving strict orders from his doctor, who also happens to be a doctor for the Dodgers, not to play since he is still recovering from surgery.

“He said I shouldn’t bat or I shouldn’t catch but he didn’t say with one arm,” says de la Fuente who injured his arm on the show and is still wearing an arm brace. “After Dancing With the Stars I had to learn how to do everything with one arm. I got to the finals with one arm and then I was here and I was like, why is an injury going to limit me? Not even an arm, nothing should limit you ever.”

While his run wasn’t enough for his team to win, de la Fuente didn’t mind.

“It was worth it to hit a ball here,” he says.

Abdul-Jabbar went 0-2 in the game but claims he used to be a much better player.

“I probably could have pitched,” Abdul-Jabbar says. “I could throw it pretty hard. I just didn’t stick with it. Basketball came a lot easier.”

“He’s a monster,” says Arnold about his 7-2 opponent on the White Team. “He’s like a praying mantis so he has to bend over and he tends to bobble the ball a little bit. I was trying to hit it to him and I screwed up and he got it.”

The NBA hall-of-famer’s defense helped the White team secure a 5-2 win over the Blue team, but Abdul-Jabbar insists he wasn’t the best player.

“Kendra,” says Abdul-Jabbar, referring to Hugh Hefner’s girlfriend Wilkinson of Girls Next Door fame. “She surprised us all!”

“I played my hardest,” says Wilkinson who plays every Tuesday on a rec team in L.A. “I could play any position. I’m so fast and I try every position. I’m very competitive. I love to have fun but I don’t like to lose.”

“Are you surprised you hit the ball at all?” Lovitz says to Wilkinson at the end of the game, clearly bitter about the Blue team’s loss to the Playmate.

“Are you surprised that you, uh fouled out?” Wilkinson says.

“Are you surprised your hooters didn’t get in the way of your swing?” Lovitz counters.

“Well obviously they helped,” Wilkinson replies. “They’re extra muscle.”

Whatever it was that helped the White team win, Loney was happy to walk away with at least one win for the day.

“It was a team effort,” says Loney who was satisfied with his team’s ten hits and five runs. “I’m 1-0 now so I might have to start my managing career later on.”

OH, MEN

2008-06-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

Beau: So I was talking to this girl and really putting in lots of work -

Laura: Wait. When you say you were "putting in lots of work" what does that entail?

Beau: You know, talking to her and stuff.

Laura: Talking to her?!

Beau: Yeah. About herself.

Laura: That's not work?! If you only knew what we consider "work."

JOE TORRE SURFS

2008-06-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

If you're a resident of Los Angeles, perhaps you've already seen the amazing Joe Torre State Farm commercial where he drinks wheat grass, does yoga and surfs (okay, more like boogie boards). I'm a big fan of Joe Torre and a big fan of the commercial. I caught up with Torre this weekend at the Dodgers induction to the Walk of Fame where we chatted about Hollywood and his new commercial. Watch it below!

Laura: This has to be pretty cool; they certainly don’t have things like this in New York.

Joe Torre: We have Broadway in New York but Hollywood is something else. To put a star on the Walk of Fame is pretty special. I don’t care at what age you come here you’re still going to walk down the street and see someone that you’ve admired for years. To have the Dodgers star here and to be a part of the Dodgers organization is pretty special.

Who are some of your favorite celebrities that have stars on the Walk of Fame?

Well Billy Crystal is a dear friend now and Milton Burrow, he was probably the guy that got me connected to the Dodgers as a fan when I came here back in the early 60s when I was playing with the Braves. He was a huge Dodger fan. At that time I met Dorris Day and he introduced me to Edward G. Robinson and George Raft. I met Cary Grant at Dodger stadium during the World Series in 1981. These are people I admired on the silver screen for along time and to realize how big of baseball fans they were made you feel even better.

You’re a TV star too now. I was watching your commercial the other day with you surfing.

Yeah I was really on the water but I wasn’t very comfortable. I was happy to do that. It was a great commercial because it really showed the transition that you make when you come out here to L.A.

From stars on the Walk of Fame to L.A. commercials, you’re an official Hollywood celebrity.

Well I have a friend whose name is Tommy Lasorda too. The next celebration I would certainly like to be to celebrate the Dodgers championship.

Have you been working on your surfing skills in the meantime?

No chance. State Farm got me to do that and I’m glad I did that because I’ve had a very positive reaction to it and it was fun doing it.

Q & A WITH TEDDY GEIGER!

2008-06-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

What more do I need to say? I interviewed Teddy Geiger! I'm a huge fan of his music (and his hair). Just a few weeks ago I wrote a post to all graduates of 2008, telling them to be strong and if they have any doubts, they should listen to a song called "These Walls" by Teddy Geiger. The song literally got me through graduation and the post-graduate-real-world-uncertainty after college. It changed my life.

It's kind of hilarious how obsessed I am over this song since it's sung by a 19-year-old kid who has less life experience than myself, but perhaps it is that youthful approach to life and looking at the world with open eyes that makes young people have moments of great understanding.

I recently met Teddy Geiger unexpectedly. Needless to say, I had a lot of questions for this kid who wrote a song I've listened to a million times. Teddy, thank you. And please, keep writing.

What are you working on now?

Well I just released 33 songs and out of those 33, fans can pick their favorite 11 and they will end up on my album.

That’s the coolest idea ever. What made you decide to do this?

We had a lot of material recorded and we were sorting through and trying to pick the 11 ourselves and I just kind of wanted the fans to hear what I’ve been working on and get the full perspective on things. I wanted to see what they thought and see what they responded to.

I’ve heard of fans picking the single but that seems crazy to have them pick the entire record.

Well yeah. I’m a little nervous about it. I don’t know what they’re going to do. I obviously like certain songs more than others but I guess I’m just putting my fate in the fans and trusting them. They’re going to want what they want anyways so I think giving them the choice is best for all parties involved.

What is the collaborative process like?

It’s been weird for me because I grew up writing just by myself in my bedroom and I wouldn’t show anybody so it’s kind of hard. It takes me a while. The more I get to know somebody and the more comfortable I am with the person the easier it goes. But I think you can always just write a song with somebody but if it’s going to be a song that means something, it’s nice to get to know the person.

The song where you sing, “The waters rising up to my knees and I can’t figure out –”

These Walls.

Yes! And how you talk about spreading your wings. What is that about?

Well it’s kind of one of those things. It’s kind of taking down all the rules around you and I feel like you’re going to do what you want to do.

What inspired you to write that? Is it about a relationship?

I guess it’s more just life in general. I’ve had a lot of experience where I’ll me like, I wish I could do that and then I’d think about it for a second and be like, oh I can. I just need to kind of get past this mental block. It’s kind of more recognizing what’s going on and then going for it.

Are you based in L.A.?

I just moved out here a year ago from upstate New York.

I’m moving to New York in August.

I moved to L.A. and that was crazy. Just brace yourself; it’s going to be weird. It was weird for me. Maybe you’ll just slide right in.

So this new CD, when I listen to it I’ll want to know what inspired you?

Kind of just growing up a little bit, getting out of my parent’s house and starting to make life decisions I guess. And deciding how I wanted to see the world in my own way.

WHAT HAPPENED TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH?

2008-06-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

NBC golf analyst Johnny Miller apologized Friday for a comment he made about Rocco Mediate during the fourth round of the U.S. Open where he said Mediate "looks like the guy who cleans Tiger's swimming pool” and "Guys with the name Rocco don't get on the trophy, do they?"

Apparently people feel that he made anti-Italian slurs. I don’t see how they are anti-Italian, but these days people will blow up anything you write or say. Personally, I can’t believe he had to apologize. What is the world coming to when people need to walk on egg shells and be so politically correct without fear of backlash?

I first heard about this story on Colin Cowherd’s radio show this morning. Colin thinks Miller was forced into apologizing. Here’s what Colin had to say:

“I have more than three times at this company refused to apologize and I’ve won every time. Why? Because I was reasonable and my bosses at some level knew it. Broadcasting companies have an obligation to take risks. Because the more funny, edgy, commentary they allow, the better you are, the smarter you are, the more thoughtful you are, the more thought-provoking they are. And NBC just made us step back a little. Made everybody who’s on the air a little more cautious. I’m not the loser. You’re the loser …

“NBC by forcing Johnny Miller from an innocuous non-racist comment – there’s no stereotype of Italians and pool boys, it’s absurd – essentially forced every talented and funny person to be a little more cautious. The more cautious, the less thought provoking. And George Carlin every day of his career, ticked people off, took big chances. Remember folks, free speech works when it ticks you off. Free speech is working when it makes you call a radio show or call a company and demand an apology.”

BAD PICK-UP LINE

2008-06-22T12:36:00.001-07:00

RULE 101: Don't brag about how your friend's parents own a sports team to pick up a girl.

Last night I went to Hollywood club Villa for my best friend's birthday when the following convo ensued:

"Hey what's up?" says a guy sitting with his friend at a table.

My friend and I introduce ourselves and handshakes are exchanged.

"This is my friend Drew," says the guy. "He owns the Dodgers."

"Oh yeah?" I say skeptically. "What, is his last name McCourt?"

The guy and his friend look at each other at laugh.

"Actually it is," McCourt's friend says.

"Well in that case, he doesn't own the Dodgers," I reply. "His parents own the Dodgers and I met them yesterday."

And with that I got up and left the table.

Bragging about your rich friend's parents is a bad pick-up line. Later I chatted with Drew McCourt who seemed very nice. He should probably tell his friends to stop using him to get girls though.

THEN AND NOW

2008-06-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

These pictures of me are from high school during my first and only trip to New York. We went there to debate in a Model United Nations conference but I had one goal and one goal only: to get on TRL. I convinced five other students on the trip to come with me and stand outside of TRL studios in Time Square in the freezing cold holding up posters I had made and brought on the trip. One poster said, "Please Let Us Up. Orange County Rocks." (This was before "The OC" or "Laguna Beach" I might add). The other one said "We Flew From Cali!". I spent a lot of time on those things. My classmates thought I was crazy.

Well, I ended up getting picked for a contest, winning the contest and my entire crew got to go upstairs for the rest of the TRL taping. Needless to say we got more that 15 seconds on TV that day and all the kids who didn't stand outside with me were pretty bitter. I was the talk of my high school for a good week or so. I also won an award at the debate the next day. Double success.

I was pretty sure things couldn't get cooler but here I am six years later writing an article for MTV. Seems pretty surreal. Check it out below:

Linkin Park Tell How Busta Rhymes Invited Himself Along For Projekt Revolution 2008

Chris Cornell, Atreyu, the Bravery also join the bill of bands Linkin Park 'think would be a good match.'

By Laura Lane

Linkin Park weren't sure they'd be able to top last year's Projekt Revolution tour, but with a lineup that includes veteran rap and rock performers Busta Rhymes and Chris Cornell, as well as the Bravery and Ashes Divide, this year's bill may prove to be their most eclectic yet ... (continued)

DJ: HOW TO SURVIVE NEW YORK

2008-06-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

I’m getting nervous about my move from Tinsel Town to the Big Apple, so it’s a good thing I ran into DJ Qualls (Road Trip and The New Guy), who gave me some important tips about surviving in New York.

Laura: I’m moving to New York in August.

DJ Qualls: You’ve been of course many times?

Nope.

You’ve never been to New York!

I’ve only been there once and it was in high school so I don’t even think that counts.

It’s such a different city. It’s such a different vibe. I personally couldn’t live there, because it’s a city you have to be on all the time. Like if you get sick, the city piles on top of you. You have to have resolve. You have to be strong and in L.A. you really don’t have to that much strength. You have to have a stylist and an agent in Los Angeles. They do everything for you.

I know, right? I’ll have to do it all on my own.

Yes, it’s much more difficult. And also just daily things like getting groceries. Like here you load up your car and you go to Ralph’s.

Yeah, so what do I do?

You drag a cart down the street.

No!

Yeah.

What if I don’t want people seeing all the groceries I bought? Like what if one day I want to buy some junk food? I don’t want people thinking that’s all I eat.

I’m super paranoid to buy toilet paper, deodorant and underwear.

Yes! Oh my god, me too. I’ll put the food on top.

I hate buying it. I get it online.

That’s so smart. They deliver it to your door?

Yup. I buy all the things that I’m embarrassed to buy online.

This is genius. Do you have any more tips? How else will I survive in the city?

Well it’s really hard to make friends but I have two great friends who are New Yorkers. It’s just a different mentality. You have to put yourself out there. L.A.’s very cat like. You stand at a party and you pose and you expect people to come over and talk to you. You really just have to make the effort and put yourself out there.

Be proactive.

Yes, and plus we’re all human no madder where you’re from and if you have a good heart people are going to see that and they’re going to gravitate toward you. You’ll do fine.

I’m glad we had this talk.

SIZZLIN' SUMMER COUPLES

2008-06-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

It's Party Girl Radio time! This week my work bestie Party Girl Cristina Gibson and I tell you about how Hollywood's hottest couples are heating up and why Jessica Simpson might be taking a jab at Tony Romo's ex. Plus, which supermodel is literally losing her hair? We've got the dish. (Love the word "dish." As I've said before, "dish" is a word we like to use because it sounds more revealing than simply "talk.")

CHECK OUT THE SHOW HERE!

ALRIGHT, YOU'RE GREAT ZOMBIE

2008-06-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

This is 17 seconds worth your time. Seriously, how am I seeing this video for the first time ever? It has more than a million views on You-Tube. Oh, the little things in life that make us laugh.

STILL WAITING FOR MY INVITE, SETH GREEN

2008-06-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

Last week I covered a celebrity Scrabble tournament. Now these are the type of events I like to cover. Send me to a spelling bee, Scrabble tournament or poker tourney and I'm in heaven. The celebs paired up, pulled back their sleeves, wiped the sweat off their brow, spelled out words like "bake" and "sexy" and battled it out through the playoffs until slowly the teams were whittled down to just two championship hopefuls- Seth Green and Skeet Ulrich vs. Jimmy Kimmel and producer Daniel Kellison. But in the end there could only be one winner ... Kimmel's team came out victorious. Well done.

It was a fierce competition - edge of your seats excitement. And while I hit it off with Dave Anabelle (we talked sports together) I was mostly excited about chatting with Seth who promised I could come to one of his ping pong tournaments (basically I invited myself and claimed I was a master at the game). Here's my chat with Seth Green:

Laura: So what were you up to today?

Seth Green: I came from work.

What were you working on?

I make a show called Robot Chicken so I was working there. We have kind of a brutal 11 month schedule once this show starts. It’s really killer.

No vacaction at all?

Naw, I kind of pile on work and then take a vacation at the end of the year typically.

Get it all done at once.

There’s just so much stuff that happens in the year and I love the opportunities that I get so I try to take advanatage of them.

Have you gotten really into the presidential election?

Oh I’m for sure going to vote.

Who do you think should be Barack Obama’s running mate?

I don’t really think that’s a decision I’m qualified to make. I’m hoping both of the candidates choose people that they feel would adequately compliment their presidency.

You see, I think if you called up Barack and told him who you think he should pick, he’d totally go for it.

We’re super close. (laugh) But it’s tough because I don’t want to give him advice if I’m not passing it to Hillary too cause we’re so close. You know what I mean? And the trouble with that is as soon as Mac’s hears about it and he’s on my tip, like why you giving it to them, freaking liberals.

Are you really into sports?

Nah, no. I’m into intellectual sports like Scrabble.

Have you always been into board games?

I played a lot of board games growing up. I love them. There’s a game called Othello. It’s similar to chess but it’s flipping. It’s a strategy game. It’s like a big board, you have chips that are white and black on one of the sides and you have to surround the other players tiles and flip them over. So the goal is to get as many of your color as possible but you want to beat your opponent. It’s a head-to-head game and it’s all strategy. It takes a second to figure it out.

Exciting. How do you feel about ping pong?

You, honestly, if you were trying to date me you just said the right thing.

It’s my favorite game, so I was just curious.

I honestly just had a ping pong competition at my house this past weekend. That’s kind of what I do.

Were you the champion?

No, it’s more an exhibition game for my friends to screw around. I’m not trying to win.

Well if you ever have an uneven number of people and you need someone else to join -

Yeah, I love bringing strangers into my home.

I’m pretty good so I might own you.

I don’t think so, but I totally appreciate your spirit. What’s your name?

Laura. Well good luck tonight. Let me know if you need an extra player.

(Side Note: Two hours later, I gave Seth my email and he promised he would email me to play ping pong. I better start practicing).

LOVE YA TODAY, FORGET YA TOMORROW

2008-06-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

Colin Cowherd is my hero. I'm obsessed with his morning radio show on ESPN 710. Sometimes I hope I'll hit traffic on my way to work just so I can have some more Colin time. This morning he went off about some listener who wrote him saying how L.A. fans are fake, they don't really care about the team and it isn't fair that real fans couldn't afford tickets to the series that instead go to celebrities, who couldn't care less about the team.

Colin basically said, "Dude, move out of L.A. if you don't like fake people. L.A. is a place full of pretenders. The number one business here is the movie business. It's people who dress up and pretend to be other people. If you don't like it, move." That was the gist of it. I love when Colin gets all fired up and is like, "There are so many other things to entertain people in Los Angeles. The fans will be sad but then later today they'll go get their Botox, have a conference call with Kevin Spacey, get dinner at the Ivy and forget all about the loss."

I'll have to agree on this one. It's a city that feeds off of award winners, box office hits and super stars today, D-listers tomorrow. Will I miss this about Los Angeles? Not. At. All.

But I wonder, is New York any better? I can only hope.

VIVA LA COLDPLAY

2008-06-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

I just snagged the last new Coldplay CD Viva La Vida at Starbucks this morning. Yes, I pay for my music. There's been lots of controversy lately about their new CD and alleged plagiarism. People are up in arms about an interview where they said they're, "the world's worst—but most enthusiastic—plagiarists. We'll try and copy anyone." Then there's the You-tube video that has nearly 300,000 hits.

On Monday, I was listening to Star 98.7 here in L.A. Coldplay took over the radio station for Mix-tape Mondays and DJ'd for an hour or so, where they played their favorite music. They played a song -which frustrating enough I can't remember what it was - and said on the radio show that they took the riff from that song for a song on their new album. So basically from what I gather, Coldplay isn't shy about "borrowing" riffs and tunes from other bands they like and making them better. If anything, they're proud to talk about it. It also isn't the first time they've used another band's music. Either way, their CD rocks, it's getting rav reviews and if they did borrow music from the band Creaky Boards, they should give the band credit ... but the Coldplay song is better anyways.

Here's the You-tube video getting all the fuss.

AT LEAST IT WASN'T ON OUR TURF ...

2008-06-17T17:49:00.001-07:00

Cheer up, guys. There's always next year ... On the bright side you have Bynum.

QUOTE OF THE GAME:

"Who's smoking a cigar in here? Is someone smoking a cigar in here? I think that's against fire code."

-Announcer on 570am radio with a minute and a half left in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Celtics trumped the Lakers 132-92 to win the Championship.

SIDE NOTE: For being so aggressive all series long, Kevin Garnett seriously needed to suck it up and stop crying at the end. Poor Michelle Tafoya. She was live on air and Garnett was bawling like a baby. Not even a few tears of happiness, like full on bawling. She just looked at him, and had to be thinking, "Dude, get some balls. Can you just answer my question for the love of god?!" He finally did but it was mostly mumbling after he screamed, "Anything can happpppppppennnnn!!!" Something you also might have missed was Garnett whispering to Bill Russell, "Now you got to tell me where to go out tonight. You ain't going home!"

NO VIEWING PARTY, NO FUN

2008-06-17T17:08:00.000-07:00

The Lakers have been hosting viewing parties at Staples Center for the away games during the Finals where they play the game on the Jumba Tron. It beats being squished between beer-bellied bar regulars at Barney's Beanery. I was planning to go to watch Game 6 there and write a story about it, but the viewing party has been canceled due to security concerns. Apparently there was a brawl or two at Game 2 between some Celtics and Lakers fans and now the Lakers are calling the whole thing off. Here's what the Lakers PR said:

"After meeting with law enforcement and city representatives, we have agreed to not open STAPLES Center for a public showing of any upcoming playoff games from Boston. Because of concerns for resources needed to ensure the safety of fans throughout Los Angeles on nights when the games would be played as well as potential financial burdens on various City departments, we came to this decision. On behalf of the Los Angeles Lakers, we encourage all of our fans to enjoy the upcoming games with friends and family and celebrate the championship run in a safe, responsible and respectful manner."

Fights break out all the time at games and the brawlers are quickly kicked out. Games don't get canceled. This is Los Angeles, folks. This is a city that films movies on the streets of Hollywood, hosts rock concerts, red carpet soirées and events on an hourly basis. If any city can handle safety at large events, it's L.A. Has L.A. become too stingy? Will more events in Hollywood be canceled because L.A. doesn't want to foot the bill for security?

What a disappointment. I would understand if they canceled the viewing party because nobody was showing up, but they've had a strong turnout. Are they saying the L.A. police department can't handle the security? Law enforcement has handled events with ten times as many people. Perhaps they didn't want to secure the event because they couldn't get any police officers to work tonight. Don't be surprised if you see a few cops at Barney's Beanery checking out the game.

DODGERS GET A STAR!

2008-06-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

On Friday, the Dodgers will get their very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Following in the footsteps of Michael Jackson, the Olsen Twins, Bob Hope, Will Smith, Ricky Martin and countless other celebs who have bought - I mean earned - their star on Tinsel Town's infamous, tourist flooded street, Hollywood Blvd.

The Dodgers are the first sports organization to receive a star, which is a huge deal! Stars on the Walk of Fame are legendary. The Lakers don't have one. The Angeles don't have one (well, I still consider them the Anaheim Angeles anyways being from the OC and all). The Dodgers decided this would be a perfect way to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. I'm still curious to see what logo they'll get on their star since there's never been a sports team. There's the actor logo, the radio logo, the music logo, the directing logo ...

Does this mean we should expect other sports teams to follow? Perhaps. I'll be there at the ceremony on Friday along with manager Joe Torre, Vin Scully (who I just heard speak this weekend with John Wooden. I love them. Great guys) and Jaime Jarrin. Let's just hope they get a good spot on the Walk. Once you get too far East on Hollywood Blvd., you hit the clubs. And when you hit the clubs that means lots of drunk scenesters will be stepping (occasionally peeing) on your star at 3am. Show some respect to the legends.

THE SASHA SONGS

2008-06-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

I realized today that I was never able to post the Sasha Vujacic makeup song for you all to listen to. It's amazing. Basically, ESPN 710 radio's Dave Dameshek show wrote a song about Sasha, he didn't like it. I wrote about how he didn't like it. It became a huge on-going joke and the radio show wrote two songs to makeup for it. This is because the Dameshek crew is amazing.

In this tribute, I even get a shout out! It's Sasha's makeup song to Beautiful.

This is the second song, to Beat It. This is where Sasha becomes a verb. To make a nice 3-point shot is to Vujacic it, Vujacic it good.

COULD'A SHOULD'A WOULD'A DONE THIS YESTERDAY

2008-06-16T23:53:00.000-07:00

Tiger's win today may go down as his greatest victory yet.

They had to go to the 19th hole in sudden death, but why not have just done that yesterday like I suggested? I still like my add another hole like you add another inning theory (also known as sudden death apparently), because nobody was able to watch the match today anyways unless they were actually at Torrey Pines. What a waste of a good showdown! Sure, we all watched the Sports Center clips but where was the actual broadcasting of the match? I couldn't find it all morning!

(Editors update: Ok, so apparently they showed it on a cable channel Monday morning.)

Other things that makes no sense in the world of sports:

-Why is it that Olympic men's soccer is the only sport that has weird rules that basically guarantees the best players will not be competing (besides a few exceptions in the past like Ronaldo). They have to be under 23 but the team can have three guys who are older than 23. Why just a couple? I don't get it. Basketball doesn't do that. Women's soccer doesn't do that. Swimming doesn't do that. The under 23 rules has been in effect since 1992. Apparently some rule makers don't want the Olympics to interfere with the World Cup, but isn't the Olympics suppose to be the competition of all competitions? No wonder basketball athletes don't take the Olympics seriously.

-Why is it that in the NBA, the schedule is different for the Playoffs and the Finals? In the NBA, teams play 2-2-1-1-1 in the Playoffs but in the Finals they play 2-3-2. For example, in the best of seven series in the Playoffs, they'll play two games at home, then two games on the road, then a game a home, a game on the road and then a game at home (if the series goes that far). So why are the Finals are different? Why are the Finals two games at home, three games on the road and then two games at home (or visa-versa)? Why not just be consistent with the Playoffs and the Finals? I have yet to find an explanation to this inconsistency that makes sense. I get that traveling is a pain, but pick a way that works and stick to it! I don't have a strong opinion about which way I prefer, but I do believe that rules should be consistent throughout the Playoffs and the Finals. It's like the rule makers couldn't make a decision and this was the compromise. Stupid.

BABIES AND BASHES

2008-06-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the week! E! Entertainment Party Girl radio show time.

Check out this week's show here!

This week we dish on Pete Wentz' feelings about fatherhood and the special way he celebrated his birthday with Ashlee. Plus, hear more "Hills" drama and find out which cougar mom is even embarrassing her daughter.

Basically, we talk about incredibly important world changing events. Oh come on! Just indulge in the latest celebrity gossip. It's brain candy.

STAYIN' ALIVE, AH HA HA HA

2008-06-15T22:07:00.001-07:00

Smile for now, but pray for Tuesday.

Instead of playing Randy Newman's "I Love L.A." as they usually do after a win, they should have played "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees. The Lakers barely hung on to beat the Celtics 103-98 in Game 5 of the series, which Boston now leads 3-2. Before the Finals started I picked Lakers in 6. I'd like to scratch that and pick Celtics in 6. Not that I want them to win but I have a hard time believing the Lakers can win two games on the road. They have yet to play consistent for an entire game in the series, they aren't aggressive enough, they've blown huge leads in the last two games at home and now they're heading to Boston, one of the toughest stadiums to play in.

While I would rather be at the game, the good thing about being at home is that I get to watch the halftime reports, which included an emotional chat between Bill Walton and Luke Walton, who spent much of his childhood hanging around the Celtics and Larry Bird. During the talk Bill told Luke he wanted his son to win the Finals but was actually picking Boston to win. Harsh. But honest - just like a dad should be.

Also Stayin' Alive today was Tiger Woods at the U.S. Open. His performance was insane. Tiger has the same mental toughness as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. And while people get on Kobe for screaming at the refs and getting upset in a game, Tiger threw his golf clubs not once but twice on that last hole. But no one says anything because it's everyone's favorite guy, Tiger Woods. Athletes like Tiger and Kobe get frustrated because they care. When they stop throwing clubs or getting pissed off at a bad call, we should worry. It's like when Carlos Zambrano threw a tantrum in the dugout at Dodgers stadium last week and was hurling jugs of Gatorade around after he gave up a homerun and was taken out of the game. After the Cubs lost, Lou Piniella says, "I’d rather have a guy that gets upset than a guy who does it with a smile like he doesn’t care. So truthfully? No, I don’t have a problem with it."

Also, I think that instead of having Tiger and Rocco Mediate play an entire 18-hole round on Monday, they should just add another hole to the round today. It's like stopping after nine innings in baseball if the game is tied and saying, "Oh, we'll just play another game tomorrow." No! Just add another hole like you add another inning to a baseball game. Just my thoughts ... Happy Father's Day!

QUOTE OF THE GAME

2008-06-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

"The Celtics have them right where they want them."

-Announcer right after Lamar Odom makes a 2-point shot to bring the Lakers lead to 31-15 in the first quarter as the Celtics take a 20 sec timeout.