A giant pin-striped cloud hangs over Manhattan, as mighty Alex Rodriguez has struck out. But there's still joy in Mudville. Alex has proven once again that he's no Casey, or Babe, or Lou, or Joe, or Derek, or even Jorge. Alas, there would be no story-book ending (unless of course you were from Lansing, Michigan or some such place). But that's alright, as A-Rod seems to be a real nice fellow, especially when you see him out in those seriously tailored suits. As a movie star once said, "there's no crying in baseball," and it is hard to cry for this guy or his teammates, who are making tons of money while most people are trying to just get by. The good ones make over a hundred grand a game, sometimes more, even if they don't play.

● Great news for fans of Ashlee Simpson divorces: After three years of marriage, Ashlee Simpson is parting ways with Pete Wentz. Expect custody battles and two very sub-par breakup albums. [LAT] ● Miley Cyrus opens up to Marie Claire about her infamous bong video. "It was a bad decision," she said, not referring to her father's haircut. [Marie Claire] ● This is fun. Victoria Beckham's iPhone background is a topless picture of husband David Beckham, but what concerns us more is her disturbing lack of apps. It's called Shazam, try it some time. [Gawker]

● Well, Courtney Love may not be back on drugs, but she lost legal guardianship of her daughter Frances Bean all the same. Kurt Cobain’s offspring will spend the holidays and the rest of her jailbait time with grandma. [People] ● Now that the Championship glow has worn off, is Kate Hudson done with Alex Rodriguez or is Alex Rodriguez done with Kate Hudson? [HollywoodLife] ● Lindsay Lohan is selling designer items from her closet on her family’s website. Nose bleed stains and coke residue cost extra. [Us]

● Brad Pitt reveals he didn’t sign up for Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds as much as he got a little drunk and smoked a little something with the director, and wound up shooting weeks later. [Youtube] ● Kate Hudson was seen making out with Alex Rodriguez in the back of a Manhattan restaurant. What is this, junior high? [Foxnews] ● Tori Spelling lets you know what’s in her purse and explains how her BlackBerry is a useful toy for kids. [Myspace]

Forget Alex Rodriguez's not-so-shocking confession to ESPN that he used steroids from 2001 to 2003. During that same interview, A-Rod also admitted to something else we've known was true all along -- that he's sleeping with Madonna. How else could she get him to wear that silly red Kabbalah bracelet on his left wrist?

● After almost two months out of the spotlight, Sarah Palin has regrouped and is taking shots at Tina Fey and Katie Couric. [CNN] ● Alex Rodriguez must have a thing for cougars. He was reportedly putting the moves on fashion maven Donna Karan over New Year's. [Stylelist] ● Irish rock legends U2 prove that you’re never too established to be influenced by others. Their new album, No Line on the Horizon, is inspired by Led Zeppelin and Jack White. [NME]

Now that Madonna is single, she can get back to her man-eating ways and not have to hide it under the guise of darkness. Gossip rags will head into max overdrive, speculating who will be the next meat-slab to try and satisfy the Material Girl's insatiable sex needs. But we like to be one step ahead of the game here, so here's a rundown of possible paramours for Madge to devour.