the buzz log

Apologies are for chumps. Indeed, that sentiment -- which flies in the face of everything we learned in kindergarten -- is our theme from the past week. A rotund rabble-rouser refused to kowtow and a wholesome TV personality mused that she had no regrets over posing for racy photos. Catch up on those stories, as well as an update on the asteroid that nearly destroyed humankind, with the Buzz Week in Review.

Rachael Ray not camera-shy
The bubbly cook and TV personality has crafted a wholesome image with her magazine, website, and various shows. In fact, we had almost forgotten that back in 2003, Ms. Ray posed for some racy photos for FHM. The pictures, despite being years old, lit up the Buzz this past week, after Ms. Ray commented that she had "no regrets" about posing for the lad-mag. Though she says it was "the most scared" she's ever been, she would "do it again tomorrow." No doubt many men would encourage her: searches on "rachael ray fhm" and "rachael ray photos" both soared over the past seven days.

"Rush is right," says Rush
Rush Limbaugh is many things. Apologetic isn't one of 'em. The controversial conservative caused a stir this week when he engaged in a war of words with RNC chairperson Michael Steele. Later, Mr. Steele apologized to Mr. Limbaugh, and Democrats mocked the flip-flop by launching a website entitled "I'm Sorry Rush." But Limbaugh was just getting started. He went on to challenge President Obama to a debate and made controversial remarks about Senator Ted Kennedy. Blogs across the Buzz weighed in with their thoughts, including the left-leaning Huffington Post.

Whoa, that was close
Here's something you may not have known. This past week, Earth was nearly hit by an asteroid. Really. Named "2009 DD45" by some very unimaginative scientists, the asteroid was about 48,800 miles from hitting Earth. Doesn't sound that dangerous, but one astronomer remarked that it was actually "pretty darn close." Queries for "asteroid path" and "asteroid size" both surged. Additionally, folks buzzed up this article from USA Today. It explains just how close we all were from starring in our very own Michael Bay movie.

Also buzzing this week...
• Michael Jackson announced his comeback (another one?) to a disinterested world.
• Colorful wide receiver Terrell Owens was cut by the Dallas Cowboys.
• "The Bachelor" TV show defended itself against claims that the finale was scripted.