Shanna Moakler Launches Clothing Line

The former Miss USA Shanna Moakler, 31, is starting a new rock and roll clothing line for kids, and it is set to debut on February 8 at the Bryant Park Hotel's Cellar Bar. She is working with the fashion label, Smet.

The new line's ad includes two of three Moakler's children, seven-year-old daughter Atiana and three-year-old son Landon, posing with her next to a picture of her estranged husband rocker Travis Barker.

Moakler and former "Blink 182" drummer Barker separated last year, but have been pictured together recently and have, according to some rumors, reconciled.

Photo from Maxim.

No-Go for Miss Nevada, Katie Rees

When Miss USA Tara Conner got a second chance from Donald Trump, Miss Nevada Katie Rees had hoped for the same repreieve, asking for leniency from pageant officials who were taking away her crown. They said no, following up with this statement from organization President, Paula Shugart, "The Miss Universe Organization has thoroughly considered the request of Ms. Katie Rees to be reinstated as Miss Nevada USA 2007. In light of the serious nature of the circumstances, there is no recourse but to stand by our decision."

Miss Nevada lost her crown largely due to the racy pictures of her that were shown all over the internet and television. I'm sure her parents are very proud.

The Miss Nevada first runner-up, Helen Salas, has assumed the title and will compete in Los Angeles on March 23 for the Miss USA 2007 crown.

Photo from E! Online.

Miss Nevada Loses her Tiara

Well given the racy pictures that have been floating around the internet, this can't come as a big surprise.

Miss Nevada Katie Rees has been stripped of her crown. Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, said in a statement today, "Katie Rees has been relieved of her duties as Miss Nevada USA 2007. First runner-up Helen Salas will assume the title and compete at the 2007 Miss USA Pageant on March 23 in Los Angeles, California." Good for them. Donald, you listening?

In a statement to TV's Extra, an attorney for Katie said, "Katie Rees ... wants the public to know she was 17 and had a lapse in judgment." Please.

As for the photos in question, the statement says: "The actions on that evening in subject are in no way indicative of the person she is or the person she has become. She is a law-abiding citizen and talented adult. This was an isolated incident that occurred more than five years ago when she was a minor."

It's certainly been a rough week for pageants.

Photo from People.

It's Official: Miss USA Gets a Second Chance

Oh ye merciful Trump. Thou hast granted Tara Conner one more chance at being Miss USA. Trump announced today that Tara Conner is not fired. He is giving her a second chance, but the barely 21-year old is headed off to rehab as part of the deal.

The Trumpster said: "I've always been a believer in second chances. Tara is good person. Tara has tried hard. Tara is going to be given a second chance." Conner apologized for drinking underage and said that she has "personal demons." People reports that Conner had this to say:

"In no way when I walked into the meeting with him did I think it would be possible to be given a second chance," Conner said of her discussion with Trump. "You know what (Trump) could have said – 'You're fired' – that's what everyone expected, including me."

[Photo from People]

Donald Trump is a Media Hog

Not that that should come as any surprise, but Donald Trump is a media hog. Seriously. This whole Miss USA thing could have been dealt with very swiftly. Instead, he took the better part of a week to think about the whole thing. Why? Because as soon as he announces his decision, the attention on him goes away, so he might as well drag it out as long as possible.

And then in true Donald fashion, he can't just make a decision and be done with it. He has to call a press conference for the whole thing. I love Donald's business sense and The Apprentice, but this is ridiculous.

He is holding a press conference this morning at 11 a.m. in New York to announce the fate of Miss USA Tara Conner.

Presumably he will announce that the former Miss Kentucky Conner will be replaced by runner-up Miss California Tamiko Nash because of Conner's "behavioral and personal issues" lately.

Photo from People.

Trump Can Fire Miss USA?

People magazine reports that Donald Trump is threatening fire Miss USA, Tara Conner due to her "behavioral and personal issues." Pageant organizers say a decision will be made with a week. Trump told the AP that he couldn't discuss it now, "But we have to make a decision. There is no question about that."

Conner is the same Miss USA who appeared on Project Runway. She currently lives in New York City, but is from Kentucky. Conner is only 20, but TMZ says she has been seen at New York City bars. If she loses the title, it will go to runner-up Miss California Tamiko Nash.

Who is the idiot that decided that Donald Trump would be involved in making the decision of whether or not Miss USA should be fired? I know he co-owns the pageant and all, but haven't we learned from The Apprentice that he isn't always entirely rational about these things? MSN reports that Trump has no problem firing beauty queens. He said: "We had a Miss Universe from Russia that was a total disaster, and we fired her, and Miss Panama took over and she did great."