There’s Something 'Bout Billy

Billy Joel was here and DCN was there!

Last night Billy Joel rocked the Pepsi Center (and my world) where he played almost non-stop for more than two hours. Complaining of dry mouth and lack of oxygen during pauses between songs, this 58 year-old crooner couldn’t forget the fact that he was performing in the Mile High City at a much higher altitude than he is used to.

This Piano Man said he got his start in the 1970s at a Boulder nightclub called the “Good Earth,” which was located on the third floor of a building on what is now known as the Pearl Street Mall.

Joel, who hammed it up for the locals by sporting a Colorado Rockies cap, said he recorded “New York State of Mind” and other tracks on the “Turnstiles” album right here in the Rockies at a place called the Caribou Ranch, a former Arabian stud farm almost 9,000 feet up in the Rocky Mountains.

Joel sheepishly admitted that he hadn’t performed to a Denver crowd in “quite awhile.” After roaring applauses from a pleasantly pleased crowd left wanting more, let’s hope Joel takes the hint and “sings us a song” again soon.

Give Amy Van Dyken Your Vote!

The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Hall of Fame today announced that Colorado native and Olympic swimmer, Amy Van Dyken, was a Hall of Fame finalist.

There are 18 finalists total and six Olympians will be chosen by fans online at www.usolympichalloffame.com. You can vote through March 28 and the inductees will be announced at the USOC Olympic summit in April in Chicago.

Van Dyken won an impressive four gold medals in Atlanta in 1996 (the first woman to EVER win four golds in one game!) and two gold medals in Sydney in 2000. She has four World Championship titles - whew!

Let's support our hometown girl and give her a vote for the USOC Hall of Fame.

http://www.usolymipichalloffame.com/ (click on the "Individuals" category at the top right corner to cast your vote).

BTW, Van Dyken (a Cherry Creek High School alumn) is married to NFL punter and former Denver Bronco, Tom Rouen (a Heritage High School alumn). They have homes in Scottsdale and Keystone.

The Bachelor Reunion Show - 12 Days and Counting!

DCN is a big fan of Colorado transplant and babe, Trista Sutter-Rehn, who starred on ABC reality train wreck, The Bachelorette, many moons ago. You can imagine how excited that DCN was to learn that ABC is airing, "The Bachelor: Where Are They Now," special on March 10 at 8:00pm. The show will include "in-home" visits with Sutter-Rehn and her hotty hubby, Ryan Sutter. DCN is hoping for a glimpse of their new baby, Max, too.

Set your TiVo -the show airs in 12 days and counting!

NBC Reporter Turned Book Author

You may be seeing NBC's political reporter, Adam Schrager, around town these days. That's because he is promoting his new book, The Principled Politician: The Ralph Carr Story. Colorado history buffs will know that Ralph Carr was Colorado's governor and the only political leader in the country to welcome Japanese-Americans to his state during World War II, an unpopular stance at the time.

He was signing copies at Tattered Cover last week and has several speaking engagements planned over the next few weeks, including a reception and book signing at Congregation Rodef Shalom (450 S. Kearney St., Denver) on March 5th at 7:00pm.

Brad Lidge Hurt - Oh My!

Brad Lidge, a former Cherry Creek High School Alumnus (he played baseball with my husband at CCHS!), was hurt during spring training on February 24. Called "Philadelphia's biggest offseason acquisition," this former Houston pitcher told the Associated Press that he "caught my spike in the mound." For those of you who don't understand sports lingo (present company included), this means, as I understand it, that he pulled something during pitch practice.

On February 25, Lidge underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to repair a torn meniscus. He is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks, but hopes to be back in the swing of things for opening day on March 31.

DCN wishes him a speedy recovery!

Eddie Murphy Movie Filmed in Denver

This is old news for Denver folk, but DCN was on a mission to find out if any recent movies have been filmed in Denver. A movie called NowhereLand, starring Eddie Murphy, was filmed here in September 2007. Film crew sightings were reported throughout downtown Denver, much of which coincided with the Rockies playoff series.

In case you're wondering, the film, not due out until June 2009 (according to IMDB), is about a downtrodden financial executive, played by Murphy, who is invited into his daughter's imaginary world called NowhereLand. DCN is unsure if this is a "kids" or adult movie. Guess we'll have to wait awhile before we can find out...

Making Little CBS Babies

Shortly after DCN reported the baby boom at Channel 9, we received word that a Channel 4 anchor had also been busy procreating. Sophisticated news anchor and Smoky Hill High School alumnus, Ericka Lewis, is expecting her second child this April.

HR Native, Keri Russell, Shines on Red Carpet

Keri Russell, a Highlands Ranch native, attended last nights Oscars festivities - and she looked fabulous doing so. Glammed up in a strapless beige dress by Nini Ricci, Keri was aglow.

How could we not love Felicity - err Keri. She looks great no matter what she wears and she IS great! DCN is a big fan!

Channel 9 Goes Baby Boom!

There must be something in the water over at Denver's leading news station. First, beloved weathergal, Kathy Sabine, had a baby boy, Matthew, on January 18, 2007. Then, a few weeks later, weekend morning anchor, Cheryl Preheim, gave birth to a baby boy name Joshua. We also have taken notice that another weekend anchor, Carrie McClure, is showing a little baby bump. NBC's website reports that she's due with her third child in May. Note to all other lady anchors at NBC - stay away from the watercooler.