When I started my career in television, I had the privilege of working with well known sports talk radio talent Chris Ello. We worked as hosts on a syndicated TV program called Gulls In Flight on San Diego 4. The show supported the San Diego Gulls, a professional ice hockey team that played in the IHL (later the ECHL), and was geared to teach people about the sport and to give the Gulls’ fans a look at life for the players outside of the rink.

The show was a hit and received great ratings. We had a fun time together and still have many, many fond memories from those days.

Ello now has a radio show on XTRA Sports 1360am called The World of Sports According to Chris – and he is absolutely brilliant! He brings years of experience to the air, stemming from San Diego’s original XTRA Sports station. Count on him to provide some insightful and opinionated views on sports.

When he found out that the second season of Bidding Wars – the TV show I host on ESPN2 – was about to begin airing, he invited me to come in the studio for a chat. Have a listen…

Radio Segment pt. 1
Radio Segment pt. 2

The Hot Moms Club launched it’s Super Community website, partnering with 20 of the top mom and women site

s on the web, on March 11th.

The kick off party was hosted by Dayanara Torres and CSI Miami star Eva La Rue. 400 guests came to the trendy Stone Rose lounge at the Sofitel Los Angeles to celebrate. The event was in support of NOCC, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

I attended with my hubby, Mark, as well as my press manager, Efrain Olivares from Shift Communications Group, and his beautiful fiancée, Ana. Since they both live just outside of LA it was a nice way to spend an evening on what was a very hectic week for us. Thankfully, we got to spend time with Alex Woodard, a close friend and a brilliant singer/songwriter, and Carilyn Vaile, fashion designer and stylist to the Hot Moms Club.

It was a long hike from Orange County so we called it a night fairly early, although I think Mark and Efrain could have continued talking about hockey for a few more hours!

On February 6th I received a phone call from the marketing department at Kruse International (the world’s leader in the collector car industry) they asked if I could come out to an upcoming event to sign autographs, meet and greet and attendees and announce some of the cars up for auction. I was delighted to receive the call and of course, I said yes.

Apparently, this was going be a very special auction for Kruse International, as it was the first time they were holding an auction in Huntsville, Alabama. On a personal level, this would end up being a very special auction for me, because I found out I was only the second woman ever hired to call a Kruse International auction.

March 15th I arrived in Huntsville for an inaugural event – Kruse International’s Huntsville Collector Car Auction, held at the Von Braun Center.

The auction pulled in over 200 vintage, classic and muscle cars that were up for sale. Among those cars was a rare opportunity to own a piece of history; the Queen of England’s personal parade car, a 1960 Armstrong Sidley. This unique car is one of only 12 ever built and one of two still known to exist. It was first registered in April 1960. This car was also used by British Embassy Government and Princess Margaret while at the Buckingham Palace. It sold for $70,000.

The people in Huntsville were so hospitable and kept asking me if it was my first visit to Alabama and how I liked it. The local people seemed to be genuinely concerned with how visitors felt while visiting their city. I was happy to express that I liked both the city and the people.

On Saturday night, following a very successful auction, the famous Dean Kruse from Auburn Indiana took the entire crew out to a very nice dinner at Ruth Chris Steak House. We enjoyed good food, great stories and many, many laughs.

A few other highlights from the trip…

On the way back to the hotel I was asked if I wanted to drive a 1941 Studebaker Coupe around the downtown area. I took the wheel while Fred Gittins and Christin Loomis from Kruse went along with me.

The power of this car was unbelievable, it was addicting and I wanted more!

On the way to airport I drove a 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle – shinny white with two red racing stripes down the center. It ran out of fuel right as I was approaching the interstate. I barely made it over to the side of the road and into a parking lot near by, where we pushed it safely into a parking spot. We got a ride back to the Von Braun Center and grabbed a 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud four door saloon. Yes, I was driven to the airport in major vintage style!

Thank you Kruse International and the Huntsville crew for a great time!

On Saturday March 9, 2008 in Anaheim CA – The Off-Road Impact Show was in full swing and we were there to cover the event for the TV program World Of Trucks, which will air on Outdoor Channel.

Our production crew arrived early before the show floor opened as to meet with the Reps from OFF-ROAD GROUP / ADVANSTAR COMMUNICATIONS and to check out the lay of the land so-to-speak.

Right off the bat, I was impressed with the show personal, the exhibitors and the unbelievable off-road trucks and vehicles on display. However, the most interesting thing about this show was all of the new products, concepts and companies.

I’ll admit, Im not new to this scene and Im pretty hip to many of the products the off-road world has to offer. Hence, this was quite a treat to meet the new comers and learn all about their products.

My favorite picks for the show…drum roll please…

As far as well known, legendary companies & products I have to go with Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels which is also now selling Dick Cepek (two of my long time favorites) they had some beautiful tire & wheel combinations on display. As I chatted with the Regional Marketing Manager, Bill O’Roake, he mentioned that not only are the Off-Road and Race tires going strong, but also the standard everyday driving tires. He also mentioned that over the past few years he has noticed an increase in female buyers, which was music to my ears.

As far as new products – it’s not a car, buggy, jeep or truck – it’s a TOMCAR and it will take anyone anywhere and bring them back safely. The TOMCAR is amazing automotive technology. This off-road phenomenon is a must see. Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think.

For all of you truck owners out there who want to step it up without having to install an outrageous lift kit that empties out your wallet, check out Ready Lift.com.

I also loved the knowledge and enthusiasm Nancy Souza showed for Hellwig Products – HellwigProducts.com. And last but not least was Rick Welch School of Racing. This is a must see. In fact, I plan on signing up for his program sometime this year. That’s right; I’ll see you on the race track – lol.

All in all, the Masters Entertainment Crew, which was made up the three of us – Doc Riley, Claude Woods and I – had an excellent day. I’ll keep you posted with air dates as soon as I get em’.

This past January2008 I was privileged to host and work along side Bill Stephens and Keith Martin as we covered the Russo & Steele Classic Car Auction in Scottsdale Arizona. This auction had a completely different feel ,compared to some of the other auctions Ive covered. The energy was comparable a BIG Las Vegas party – lot’s of flash and glam and drinks were free flowing. We worked like mad, straight through until the end of the event, usually ending around midnight or later. Which resulted in some exciting new episodes. Below is the TV schedule.

ESPN 2 SCHEDULE FOR SCOTTSDALE SHOWS:

ESPN CLASSIC SCHEDULE FOR SCOTTSDALE SHOWS:

Yes! Its finally arrived- the new season of Bidding Wars.

Below is the TV schedule. Of course as you know there will be many repeats during the week, so check your local listings.

Original Cablecast Dates:

 03/29/08 SAT 11:00A 11:30A T BIDDING WARS

04/05/08 SAT 11:00A 11:30A T BIDDING WARS

04/13/08 SUN 10:00A 10:30A T BIDDING WARS

05/04/08 SUN 11:30A 12:00P T BIDDING WARS

05/11/08 SUN 10:00A 10:30A T BIDDING WARS

05/18/08 SUN 10:00A 10:30A T BIDDING WARS

05/24/08 SAT 10:00A 10:30A T BIDDING WARS

06/01/08 SUN 11:30A 12:00P T BIDDING WARS

06/08/08 SUN 11:30A 12:00P T BIDDING WARS

06/15/08 SUN 11:00A 11:30A T BIDDING WARS

07/06/08 SUN 10:00A 10:30A T BIDDING WARS

07/13/08 SUN 10:00A 10:30A T BIDDING WARS

07/19/08 SAT 10:00A 10:30A T BIDDING WARS

Repeat Schedule

04/05/08 SAT 11:30A 12:00P T BIDDING WARS

04/13/08 SUN 10:30A 11:00A T BIDDING WARS 

04/19/08 SAT 11:00A 11:30A T BIDDING WARS

05/11/08 SUN 10:30A 11:00A T BIDDING WARS 

05/18/08 SUN 10:30A 11:00A T BIDDING WARS

07/06/08 SUN 10:30A 11:00A T BIDDING WARS 

07/13/08 SUN 10:30A 11:00A T BIDDING WARS

07/19/08 SAT 10:30A 11:00A T BIDDING WARS

08/02/08 SAT 11:00A 11:30A T BIDDING WARS

08/09/08 SAT 11:00A 11:30A T BIDDING WARS 

09/28/08 SUN 12:30P 01:00P T BIDDING WARS

10/05/08 SUN 12:00P 12:30P T BIDDING WARS

10/12/08 SUN 12:30P 01:00P T BIDDING WARS