Slap them on the wrists!

Nothing makes me angrier than all these states trying to push their primaries up. Between Michigan and Florida, the 2008 election is going to start tomorrow! This is just so ridiculous. Luckily, the DNC plays hardball and is threatening sanctions. DO IT! The sanctions would strip Florida of its delegates, which would essentially turn their potential early primary into the Iowa straw poll, part 2. Or as the DNC affectionately calls, a beauty contest. Dear states, not all of you can go in January! Please stop trying!

In other news, AP, Reuters, and no other credible news source have verified Perez Hilton's claim that Fidel Castro is dead. Until then, Wonkette is just posting some quality comments on Perez's post. Including one witty snark telling us how Castro was awesome, and another telling us to suck Bush's dick. I don't know the exact wording, but you get the idea.

Kevin's 2008 Prediction

Listen here as Green Room staffer Kevin Coughlin makes a short prediction for the 2008 election season with a focus on Bill Richardson. Much to my chagrin as a Hillary Clinton supporter, Kevin does not have some nice words for the other candidates.

Also, listen to our latest episode dealing with entertainment here!

Aaliyah Remembered

Today marks the 6th anniversary of the death of R&B singer Aaliyah. Rest in peace.

Rumors of a Dead Dictator

Rumors have been circulating for over a day now that Cuban dictator Fidel Castro has died. The streets are Miami have already begun celebrating. The official word from Cuba is that Castro is still very much alive. Castro recently celebrated his 81st birthday and was not seen or heard from, which led the rumors of his passing to intensify. We'll wait for an official source to confirm this story before declaring whether or not Fidel Castro has died. For more on this story click here. My guess...I think he's been dead for a little while now.

Blake Lewis Inks Deal

Last season's American Idol runner-up Blake Lewis has signed a record deal with Arista Records. His debut album is expected by the end of the year. More here.

The Green Room Goes International

Starting today with Leah's departure back to school, The Green Room is going international. All five of The Green Room's staff will be residing in a different country, which should definitely make things interesting and bring new perspectives. It is definitely a unique opportunity for all of us.

I (John) will be studying abroad in the Netherlands; Leah will be returning to McGill University in Montreal, Canada; Kevin will be spending an entire year in London, England; Rich will return to Boston College to represent the US, and Ashlee will be computerless as she find her way across Ghana.

You can check out our last episode (for a while) as a full group here.

Money, Money, Money

An article in the Boston Globe describes how academics have contributed more money to campaigns this year than workers in the oil, computer, and pharmaceutical industries. Receiving the most of this support are Barack Obama with almost $1.5 million, Hillary Clinton with almost $1 million, and Mitt Romney with about half a million dollars. Harvard tops the list of donations with about $280,000 in contributions this year so far.

PS...check out the latest episode of The Green Room here.

Paulina Rubio Expecting

Mexican singer Paulina Rubio is pregnant with her first child.

NFL Gets Rough With Vick

Hours after filing a plea agreement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick indefinitely without pay. For more on the story click here.

Also, check out our latest Green Room episode below or here.

Green Room Episode 5

Here is the latest episode of The Green Room. This episode focuses solely on entertainment with discussion on Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, Superbad, High School Musical, and our own segment...Overrated/Underrated!

High School Musical 3 Won't Be Haunted

Disney originally planned on having the next High School Musical film take place in a haunted house with a haunted theme for movie-goers around Halloween 2008. However, the studio has changed its mind. A Disney spokesperson has confirmed that, instead of a haunted house, the third High School Musical film will be centered on the kids' senior year. Disney still plans on a theatrical release for the next film in the franchise. None of the stars have signed onto the third film yet.

Teen Cracks iPhone

Want an iPhone but you are not an AT&T (formerly Cingular) customer? A 17-year-old teenager has managed to break the lock that binds Apple's iPhone to AT&T Wireless. This allows the phone to be used on other carriers, including oversees carriers. Read the full story here.

RENT Gets New Lease in London

International fans of the Broadway musical RENT can check out a new production of the show hitting London's West End in October. This new production will reinvent the show bringing new orchestrations and some other new tweakings. While RENT has been extremely successful in New York City, it hasn't been as popular oversees. Check out some info on this new production, which sounds quite interesting and promising, here.

Obama May Make Iowa Mistake

According to Political Wire, "Sen. Barack Obama's decision "to opt out of all but a handful of appearances with his opponents this fall means an influential Iowa audience will lose the chance to judge him alongside his rivals next month," the Des Moines Register reports."Obama plans to skip AARP's Sept. 20 forum in Davenport, where New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson will address about 2,400 Iowa seniors and a national public television audience. The decision to not attend the AARP event, aimed at issues important to people 50 and older, could nag at the Illinois senator, some Democrat activists and political observers said."

I also think it's a mistake...but I'm not complaining. Hopefully, this snub will end the three way tie between him, Clinton, and Edwards and make it easier for Hillary to take control over Edwards...who is only focusing on Iowa.

The Nanny Diaries

The Nanny Diaries hits theaters today. The movie, based on the popular novel, stars Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, and Alicia Keys. So far, the film is getting not so great reviews at Rotten Tomatoes. The film is at 25% rotten with 10 fresh and 30 rotten reviews. I think I'll skip this one.

Pollspot: National

Clinton's lead is down from 20 points to 13 points in this FOX News polls. Rudy enjoys a comfortable 15 point lead over Thompson. Does anyone care about President Bush anymore? Didn't think so.

National:

A new Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll shows Sen. Hillary Clinton leads the Democratic presidential race with 38% support, followed by Sen. Barack Obama at 25% and John Edwards at 8%.

Among Republicans, Rudy Giuliani is in front with 29%, followed by Fred Thompson at 14%, Mitt Romney at 11%, Sen. John McCain at 7% and Newt Gingrich at 5%.

President Bush's approval rating is stuck at 33%.

also...

Gallup reports that 77% of Democrats recently surveyed were familiar with all three frontrunners for the 2008 presidential nomination. The findings: 94% are familiar enough with Clinton to rate her, 85% with Edwards and 84% with Obama. This could be good news for Clinton, who has managed to keep her wide national lead despite other candidates becoming better known.

Definitely good news for Hillary Clinton there.

Nicole Richie Goes In and Out

Pregnant Nicole Richie was sent to jail Wednesday afternoon and was released after 82 minutes due to overcrowding. Yep, she beat the system.

High School Musical 2 Hits Billboard

The soundtrack to the record-breaking High School Musical 2 has debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The soundtrack had impressive first week sales of over 600,000 copies. Disney continues to cash in.

Lohan Releases Statement

This is an updated version of this story. A judge has ordered Lindsay Lohan to serve 2 days in jail and 10 days of community service. However, the judge credited her with one day of jailtime when she was arrested so Lindsay Lohan will serve a total of 1 day in jail. Also, Lohan will be on probation for 36 months and ordered to attend an alcohol education program for 18 months.

Lindsay Lohan also has released a statement to TMZ after being charged with seven misdemeanors:

"It is clear to me that my life has become completely unmanageable because I am addicted to alcohol and drugs.

Recently, I relapsed and did things for which I am ashamed. I broke the law, and today I took responsibility by pleading guilty to the charges in my case. No matter what I said when I was under the influence on the day I was arrested, I am not blaming anyone else for my conduct other than myself. I thank God I did not injure others. I easily could have.

I very much want to be healthy and gain control of my life and career and have asked for medical help in doing so. I am taking these steps to improve my life. Luckily, I am not alone in my daily struggle and I know that people like me have succeeded. Maybe with time it will become easier. I hope so."

Drew Carey's Price is Right

CBS has announced that The Price is Right will return with new host Drew Carey on Monday, October 15th, 2007 and it's regular time. This will be the show's 36th season. Recently retired Bob Barker hosted the show for 35 years. Drew Carey is also the host of CBS's The Power of 10.