I can admit with absolutely no shame that I was indeed a high school cheerleader. Sometimes I have offered that tidbit up myself but mostly it just seems to appear. There just seems to be something about cheerleaders that evoke certain responses. Either one snickers because they see cheerleaders as vapid, boy-crazy and absolutely unnecessary or they automatically assume you were 1 - popular, 2 - ditzy and 3 - easy. This of course is not true. For whatever reason, cheerleaders are truly American and part of most guys’ fantasies. Just ask Trista Rhen, who on the first season of "The Bachelor" was always referred to as a "Miami Heat Dancer" – not as a pediatric physical therapist.

So with that said, I thought I would share a few thought and observations – you know – the Ranting and Ravings of a Former Cheerleader:

Okay, so the big news of the week is that Tom and Katie (better known as "TomKat" – barf) are expecting. What has Maverick done with/to Joey? I thought nothing would disturb me more than these two actually going through with the wedding until now. Come on – you know you thought the whole thing was a publicity stunt. There is just no way some one could be that happy, jumping on couches, hugging non-stop and smiling so hard it made my cheeks sore. They are so saccharine that they make my teeth hurt. But there is a bigger question and I think we all know what it is – is the baby Dawson’s or Pacey’s?

My number one pet peeve – people who DO NOT PICK UP after their dogs!!! There is nothing more disgusting than to be walking down the sidewalk and come across a stinking pile of dog shit swarming with flies. I feel like I have to be on high crap alert when ever I go walking around town. If you can’t handle this aspect of owning a dog, well then maybe you shouldn’t be allowed to own a dog. Plus, let your dog have some dignity for crying out loud. Its bad enough they have to go to the bathroom in public without you leaving behind the evidence. The sidewalks are not and should not be considered the world’s largest dog latrine.

To all the truck and bus drivers who practically run me off the road every morning on my way to work – that red and white triangular sign says "YIELD." And just to refresh your memory on what that means, according to the Encarta Dictionary: to slow down or stop in order to let another vehicle pass.

As a female who, one, works in the sports industry, and two, is a huge sports fan, I am keenly aware that the world of sports is still very much a man’s world. From the never ending impotence drug ads to the buxom babes in beer commercials, it is quite clear who advertiser think are watching sports on TV. But I expect those who announce the game to rise above the blatant sexism. So I was a bit taken aback the other night when, while I had the Yanks/Sox game on, Michael Kay (who I think is the worst sports radio personality in the Tri-State area) says "It’s the middle of the sixth – stand up and scratch!" GROSS!

In case you didn’t know, the NHL is back on the ice. Unfortunately, despite the presence of three, count them, THREE NHL team in the area, the return to ice after an 18 month long absence as gotten about as much coverage as Justin Guarini’s music career.

For about the 50^th time this year, one of the celebrity rag mags that Nick and Jessica had finally and officially split. It was over. Kaput. Finished. Of course, this has been categorically denied by their reps. So here’s a novel idea – let’s wait for them to tell us. If Ms. Simpson and Mr. Lachey do decide to end their very public marriage, I’m sure they will let us know. In the meantime, let’s end the "divorce watch" and maybe without the constant monitoring by Star, Us and the like, these two can work on their relationship.

Speaking of marriage, the ever so untalented Paris Hilton has ended her engagement, declaring that she wasn’t ready for marriage. Really? Talk about an understatement. And on a related note, is it really any surprise that "Taradise" will not be returning for a second season on "E!"? Is there possibly a sadder celebrity out there right now than Jersey’s own Tara Reid?

Anybody else out there disturbed by the teenage girls on MTV’s "My Super Sweet 16"? I can’t even get through an entire episode without being appalled by the spoiled, ungrateful, materialistic, disrespectful, uncouth, and self-absorbed girls highlighted on that program. Only to be outdone by their parents, who enable their daughter’s repugnant behavior.

Maybe it’s just me but have the first couple of episodes of "Desperate Housewives" been, well, kind of boring?

As a follow-up to the article ("Hey Ladies!") I wrote earlier this year about HPV, which is the cause of most, if not all, cases of cervical cancer, it looks like there maybe a vaccine on the market next year. Good news for us ladies. Make sure to ask your doctor.

Quick shout out to Brandon, the bartender at the Quay’s on Wednesday night, for helping to make the little gathering I had for my friends to meet my parents, who are visiting from Florida, a really nice evening. Mom and Dad really enjoyed the martinis!

Okay, that’s it. So until next time, keep those pompoms shaking.