Summer is here, and nobody really wants to cook inside. So if you’re one of those financially challenged individuals who want to save money on your electricity and gas bill, turn to your charcoal barbecue to enjoy some delicious, good eats. I’m sure with the sky-high price of gasoline these days, many people turned to their backyard for the Fourth of July bash. While some may be heading back from the Hamptons this weekend, I’m still unpacking from my glorious holidays in the Dominican Republic, with its pristine white, sandy beaches, and blue-turquoise, crystal clear waters, which leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. One of the things I missed was the four-footed member of my family, "Whiskey," a miniature schnauzer, who I truly love.

Some of us are content with simply watching the movies. But some people need more — they need to own something that used to be in a movie, or owned by a celebrity. Consider the hundreds of thousands that were dropped in two days at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. My buddy, Pamela Anderson, sold her prized Dodge Viper and donated the proceeds to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The car was among the offerings that took place at Julien’s Auctions’ Summer Entertainment Sale of Hollywood memorabilia on June 21 and 22 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The 40-year-old former “Baywatch” babe personally oversaw the sale of her 2000 Viper, which she had customized with white racing stripes. You may recall, that two years ago a belt Elvis Presley wore during his 1972 performance in Honolulu went for $66,000, more than five times the auction estimate. The belt was from the estate of “Hawaii Five-O” TV star Jack Lord. It was then sold to Neville Tuli, the owner of an art auction house in Mubai, India.

Meanwhile, 25 outfits worn by James Gandolfini (a.k.a. Tony Soprano) raised $187,750 at the auction a few weeks ago for a charity that aids wounded soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to reports, the highest bid was $43,750 for a faux bloodstained costume consisting of a black and beige short-sleeve polo shirt, a white tank top and black pants the actor wore in a scene when Tony is shot by demented Uncle Junior. Who would have thought that the pilot for the show that was filmed in Elizabeth, New Jersey at Manolo’s restaurant, would be such a smash?

Eternally pregnant actress Angelina Jolie and partner Brad Pitt are donating $1 million to help educate children affected by the war in Iraq, including $500,000 for a tutoring program for children with a parent who was killed serving there or is currently deployed there, according to the Associated Press. Usmagazine.com is reporting that the former wife of Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, has gone intercontinental with her romance with John Mayer, tagging along with Mayer as he tours Europe.

On the other side of the pond, there’s a place in Celebrityville called the left field, where gossip suddenly flies out of nowhere, hitting us on the head like an unexpected Frisbee. Is Madonna heading for a split with hubby Guy Ritchie? While Madonna has had to deal with tabloid divorce rumors swirling many times before, this time it’s the reputable Times of London that is reporting Madge is seeking legal advice from top divorce attorney Fiona Shackleton. The attorney’s former clients include Prince Charles and Sir Paul McCartney.

Rose’s Scoop: The last time I checked the Euro 2008 soccer final tickets, they were going for a whopping $3,000 USD per person, and that was the cheapest, probably in the nose-bleed section. Since I don’t have my crystal ball, I can’t predict who’ll be the champions. The two teams in the final on June 29 are Germany and Spain. Spain has many talented soccer players, and of course, I’ll be rooting for Spain, where my ancestors are from. Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias will sing "Can You Hear Me,” the official 2008 UEFA anthem at Vienna on June 29. The international star, Iglesias, whose father Julio used to play football for a Spanish team before his accident, bears Spanish roots, and I’m sure is happy to be a part of such an important event.