HOLLYWOOD—With the recession hitting everyone hard these days, it’s no surprise that so many people stayed home to watch the World Cup finals. This recession has brought depressed home values, job losses, pay cuts, shrunken 401 K’s, eroded retirement savings and above all anxiety and stress. Not surprisingly, everyone watched the World Cup. According to the tournament’s organizers, a global TV audience of more than 700 million watched the finals on July 11. The better team won. Spain rules in the soccer world, at last. Andres Iniesta’s goal in the 116th minute of play, in front of dejected Netherlands players, secured Spain’s 1-0 extra time victory in the World Cup final.

While so many people were celebrating the finals, the Portuguese soccer superstar was headed back to Portugal on July 11, after spending the Fourth of July in New York. The world’s top-paid soccer player, Ronaldo, who reportedly earns more than $250,000 per week, will bring up the baby without any help from the unnamed American mother who was reportedly paid to serve as a surrogate. Ronaldo was very happy that Spain won, since he plays for Real Madrid. The news that came on the Fourth of July sent shock waves across the country, for a reputed playboy who has been linked to tennis player Maria Sharapova, Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian. One person who appeared unfazed by the shocking news was his current girlfriend, Russian underwear model Irina Shayk. Cristiano Ronaldo loves children so much, that when he arrived in Lisbon, Portugal on July 12, he went to the Children’s Hospital to donate blood, and to give the children autographs and soccer balls.

July 11 was also a sad day for Yankees fans, when the “Voice of Yankee Stadium” died at the age of 99. Bob Sheppard, called by many the “Voice of God,” left a legacy that included 13 of the Bombers’ 27 World Series championships. The veteran Yankee Stadium announcer was loved by all, for more than 59 years after he began speaking into his microphone in April 1951, at the beginning of Mickey Mantle’s first season with the Yankees and Joe DiMaggio’s last. His voice was one of a kind. It carried, it delivered, and there will never be another voice like that again. The voice of Bob Sheppard will carry on every time Derek Jeter is introduced, No.2, the shortstop, Derek Jeter”¦No.2. My deepest condolences go out to the Sheppard family, especially his son, my friend, Chris Sheppard. Chris loved his dad so much that his eyes would light up when he spoke to me about him with so much pride.

Just two days after the passing of Bob Sheppard, the principal owner of the New York Yankees, George Steinbrenner, died at age 80 after suffering a massive heart attack in Tampa, Florida. The family later confirmed his passing. It has been a sad week for Yankees fans. Two icons have died.

Rose’s Scoop: Is there anyone out there who feels sorry for Lindsay Lohan? Lohan doesn’t realize this now, but if she goes through the process, she could regain her fame and popularity because everyone loves a comeback story. Hang in there, Lindsay.