Ok, first of all I need to start this post by proclaiming my LOVE of Kevin Smith. Growing up just north of Red Bank, New Jersey I know his old stomping ground well. I can remember the days of getting sticky fingerprints on the comic books in Jay & Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, running into a wasted Jay Mewes on Broad St, and being disappointed when I saw th real life QuickStop/RST Video – (of course, knowing NJ I’m surprised they both haven’t been turned into franchises like Wawa & Blockbuster by now.) – The thought of even doubting Mr. Smith for a second fills my heart with pain, but in the end, I’m a realist.

This past weekend saw actor/director Smith caught in the middle of Southwest Airline’s “Fat” flier policy, which states someone over a certain weight has to purchase two tickets: one for their butt and one to keep an empty seat next to them. Smith, who “is known to fly Southwest regularly” did purchase two tickets, but was still asked to leave. The issue arouse when he decided to fly on standby – with only one seat left when he boarded. As Smith started lambasting the airline via his Twitter they apologized and gave him a $100 voucher towards his next flight.

Again, not that I wish to ever doubt Kevin Smith, I mean he did help me understand how lesbians make love in Chasing Amy, but I do find it interesting that this story pops up a few weeks prior to the debut of his latest feature Cop Out, which stars Bruce Willis, Tracy Morgan and opens Feb 28th. (Well, there’s another plug for Kevin!) But who knows, in the end maybe I’m being a jaded Jersey kid.

Source: People.com

When most children hit the legal driving age they get to rock Dad’s beater or Mom’s minivan – if they’re lucky. Not P-Diddy’s kid. Sean Combs son, Justin Dior Combs (yes, his middle name is Dior), is not the proud driver of a $360,000 Maybach sedan- which was delivered to him on his 16th Birthday outside Manhattan’s M2 Ultralounge club this past Saturday. His new Maybach was wrapped in a lovely over-sized red bow and parked in front of the entrance.

The party, which was filmed for the MTV reality show “My Super Sweet Sixteen,” featured performances by rappers Fabolous, Lil’ Kim, and Jim Jones. Cast members from “Jersey Shore” were also there to wish Justin a happy birthday.

In addition to the wheels, Diddy gave his son a check for $10,000, which Justin immediately donated to Wyclef Jean’s charity Yele Haiti. And since the teenager doesn’t yet drive or have a license, Diddy provided him with a uniformed driver to escort the teen and his friends around Manhattan.

Source: Yahoo Blogs

Let’s face it, celebrities are not usually known for their wit or brain power. The fact that the state of California doles out drivers licenses to them is mind boggling. Thankfully, not all drive Bentley’s. Many lease, and some even drive used cars. But one thing we can all be assured of – it’s hard to drive with giant designer sunglasses on your head and a $2000 handbag at your side. Automopedia begins our 2008 sign-off with some stupid celeb auto accidents.

Morgan Freeman

You wouldn’t think an Academy Award Winning star of this summer’s blockbuster The Dark Knight would drive a used car, but the actor and his passenger were seriously injured when Freeman’s 1997 Nissan Maxima (1997?!) flipped off a Tennessee highway and rolled several times. Alcohol was not a cause of the incident, and Freeman has since fully recovered and returned to playing the same wise, older African American character he’s been type cast as for years.

Shia LaBeouf

Again, is the economy so bad that movie stars are riding around in used trucks? Transformers and Indiana Jones star Shia LaBeouf decided have a few drinks, then flip his pre-owned Ford F-150 at an intersection with a Transformers costar at his side. Both actors made it out with injuries, including a rumored bruised pinkie of Shia’s, which would need amputation. We’re happy to report that LaBeouf has all 10 fingers to this day, and continues hamming it up in films produced by Michael Bay.

Britney Spears – Worst driver in Hollywood

Britney Spears has been involved in several fender benders and minor car accidents, many in 2008 alone. From a bump of her Cadillac Escalade into paparazzi, to side swipes on California freeways, to rear ending a Ford Explorer. She also likes to let her babies drive. She also likes to drink and drive. She also…really needs to hire a professional driver. Wouldn’t you love to work for her auto insurance company?

Mary Kate Olsen

Former Full House cutie Mary Kate backed into the car of a Mexican restaurant employee earlier this year. She followed this incident by yelling at photographers who were shooting her dented Toyota Prius. She eventually drove away, exclaiming that she is only cattle to them, then mooing. Wait, did she wait for the restaurant employee/car owner to come out?

Amanda Bynes

Nickelodeon alum Amanda Bynes has become one of many young celebrities to smash up their mode of transit. In August, she slammed her BMW into another car after making what police say was an “unsafe turn.” There were no serious injuries or damages reported. Maybe Amanda got her limelight car accident out of the way early.

Lindsay Lohan – Year of redemption

Miss Lohan is not a stranger to drama behind the wheel – and this year was no different. Luckily, 2008 brought Lindsay and her partner DJ Samantha Ronson only a minor incident. It wasn’t even her fault this time – a motorcyclist sideswiped her vehicle after the couple left a Midtown Manhattan nightclub. Lohan fans should cross their fingers that 2009 won’t bring the starlet an injury behind the wheel, or DUI’s, or sex tape scandals (uncrosses fingers). Speaking of DUI’s…

Honorable Mentions – Celebrity DUI’s and Major Carnage

Heather Locklear

Heather, Heather, Heather. You may be gorgeous, you may be a former temptress from Melrose Place, but you are not invincible to the traffic police. Locklear was nabbed driving under the influence on a California highway in September. Was it alcohol? No – Heather was buzzing on prescription drugs. Way to hit the Selecsa before picking up the kids.

Nick Hogan

Ok, actually Nick Hogan’s accident was actually last year – but it’s a story we’ve heard about over and over again, and it makes responsible drivers quiver. Hogan wrecked his Toyota Supra on a Florida highway after allegedly participating in some street racing on the way to a local steak house (because nothing makes us want a medium rare T-bone more than some racin’!) Nick was released the following morning with minor injuries. His passenger, friend and US Marine John Graziano, was not wearing a seat belt. He sustained serious injuries to his head, and is expected to remain under assisted care for the rest of his life. Those Hogan, never a dull moment.