Chris Bosh ~ Not an addition, but a centerpiece... Agree?

I heard about his quote a week or so ago, but just found the video now.  To paraphrase, Bosh doesn't think of himself as an addition ~ he thinks of himself as a centerpiece.  Um, ok...

Earlier this morning I saw Chris Bosh's name on the crawl and I instinctively groaned.  I realize Bosh is/was a talent and the "Man" for Toronto Raptors...  However, with so many NBA big names becoming free agents, I find myself challenged to get excited over Bosh.  ****  Incidentally, Paul Pierce is joining in the free agent fun now...

Am I the only one who's over Bosh?  I think it's great to have high self-esteem, but why is it that (i.e. to me) he's the one who seems to be talking the most?

Video below.




THE WIRK

Dodgers v Padres @ Petco Park, July 28 ~ Support After-School All-Stars

I have a great friend in San Diego who's been working closely with San Diego Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips in support of Arnold Schwarzenegger's After-School All-Stars (ASAS).  I saw a message she posted about an upcoming event, that I need to share with you.  I remember what it was like to wait for my mom or dad to pick me up after school.  These days it's basically a norm to have both parents working.  After school activities are beneficial in so many ways.  Learning doesn't stop when the school day ends.  Children need after school activities that are positive and promote maturity.  Parents need to find after school activities that enrich their children's lives (e.g. giving back to the community, exercise, and/or learning, etc.).  After-School All-Stars is a program that is near and dear to my heart for so many reasons!

Here's the scoop:

For those of you that enjoy baseball, why not go to beautiful Petco Park and see the San Diego Padres play the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, July 28 at 7:05PM?  50% from every ticket purchased with the ASAS promotion code goes to the organization.

Honestly, what are you waiting for? 

Go to the link and purchase your tickets here, on the Padres promo ticketing site. 
Don't forget to use Promotion Code: ASAS

For those of you out there with deeper pockets, there are also sponsorship opportunities, and 50% of all proceeds go directly to After-School All-Stars.  If you're interested in purchasing a package contact Ryan Eifler at (619) 795-5162 or reifler@padres.com.

• $1,650 SPONSOR PACKAGE
• 50 Upper Reserved Tickets
• 50 Upper Reserved Tickets ASAS Kids
• Scoreboard Welcome Message
• $3,280 SPONSOR PACKAGE
• 100 Upper Reserved Tickets
• 100 Upper Reserved Tickets for ASAS Kids
• Scoreboard Welcome Message
• Autographed baseball

****  Additional information about Arnold Schwarzenegger's After-School All-Stars and Shaun Phillips is at the end of this post.  I didn't want the event to get lost in a lot of text, but I want you to have the information.

THE WIRK

--------------------------

Information about After-School All-Stars:

After-School All-Stars(ASAS), but was founded by Governor Schwarzenegger in 1992, who still serves as the honorary chair. We currently have programs in 13 cities across the country serving 80,000 kids daily, including 16 schools in south bay San Diego. Providing academic, enrichment, and sports-based programming for San Diego’s under-privileged youth, ASAS is creating memories and opportunities that at one time seemed out of reach for their young participants. They reach the children who need the programs most, serving over 3,700 children annually in San Diego, 80 percent of whom qualify for the federal free and reduced price lunch program. 78 percent of our participants identify as Latino/a, -- the population that experiences the region’s highest rates of poverty, attrition from high school, and instances of obesity.

As you know, after-school hours are a critical time for youth and have a direct impact on how well that student does in school. That time can represent either an opportunity to learn and grow, through quality after-school programs, or a time of risk to youth's health and safety. The after-school hours are the peak time for juvenile crime and risky behaviors such as alcohol and drug use. Most experts agree that after-school programs offer a healthy and positive alternative. These programs keep kids safe, improve academic achievement and help relieve the stresses on today's working families. They can serve as important youth violence prevention and intervention strategies, which is why it is so important that our community get behind after-school programs, such as After-School All-Stars. Every day in the United States as many as 15 million children leave school with no place to go. After School All Stars offers a proven alternative for these children. They engage them in activities and on-going relationships that increase confidence and encourage success in all areas of their lives - at home, in school and in the community. Their mission is to help kids succeed in school and in life

Information about Shaun Phillips:

In the last six NFL seasons, linebacker Shaun Phillips has established himself as one of those confident yet understated work horses. He does his job effortlessly, while opponents study him nervously across the line of scrimmage. He seamlessly stepped into his role with the San Diego Chargers and made an immediate impact with 11.5 sacks, the second most by any lineman in the league. No doubt, this “secret” NFL talent is becoming a household name and in 2009 he was able to prove that with 59 tackles and 7 sacks. Phillips was selected by San Diego in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft and described as a “steal” by the Chargers front office. He finished his collegiate career as Purdue’s all-time leader in sacks with 33.5, and was named a second-team All- American his senior year. He has unquestionably exceeded the expectations that usually accompany a fourth-round draft pick. Phillips is a stellar pass rusher with explosive reaction and an incredible knack for harassing the quarterback. But he is not content to leave his accomplishments where they stand, and he continually strives to improve himself both on and off the field. He enjoys directly communicating with fans in social networks and has an active presence on Twitter with more than 359,000 dedicated followers.

Follow Shaun on Twitter: http://twitter.com/shaunphillips95
Shaun’s Official Website: http://www.spf95.com/f2/index.html

Baseball teams left to see at home (and friends in those cities)

I had some time and made a list of baseball teams, that I still need to see play at home.  I also added the names of people who live in (i.e or are from) the same cities, because it's only fair that I give my friends a head's up that I'm coming out there (i.e. ONE of these days)... 

Yes, I've seen the Reds play at home ~ but they have a new stadium now, so Riverfront really doesn't count anymore.

See you all eventually!

1. Astros = Tyler, Chubs, Jennifer, and Jeff
2. Athletics = Scott, Marc
3. Brewers
4. Cardinals = Traci
5. Mariners = Scott
6. Marlins = my brother
7. Pirates = Cathy
8. Rangers = Chubs, Chris, Ashley
9. Rays = Trey
10. Reds = way too many people
11. Rockies
12. Royals = Becky, Heather
13. White Sox = Pork

This list looks very doable.  Who wants to go to a baseball game?!?! 


THE WIRK

2010 FIFA World Cup Predictions ~ Brazil to win it all? Agree or Disagree?

With the USA eliminated from competition, I'll admit that I've tuned out of the World Cup.  If walking by a TV, with a match on, I'll stop and check the score ~ but I really have no idea anymore about who I want to win.

I received the following message today from my good friend, Kanak.  I found it funny that she even sent it, since she's not a sporty person.  To be honest, I nearly fell out of my seat when she texted me (i.e. during Game 7 of the Los Angeles Lakers v Boston Celtics series) that Sasha Vujacic needed to shave!  I couldn't believe the girl even had the TV on still, much less was watching and cared enough to read the names on the jerseys.  She said she checks into this blog ~ and now I believe her. 

Further, being that she lived in Brasil/Brazil, she does have interest in soccer/futbol. So here are her 2 cents and predictions for the rest of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 

Here's what SHE wrote:

" Ok...Soooo I wanted to send my predictions to you.  I know you aren't that into soccer, but I am super EXCITED, and you are the only one that might half way care now that the US is out."

• Argentina will beat Germany easily, to face Portugal next (i.e. who will beat Spain today and move on to beat either Paraguay or Japan). 

1st half ~ Spain v Portugal (Photo taken by, Wirk Part 2)

• I couldn't care less about either of those teams and who wins that game (i.e. Paraguay v Japan).
• Brasil/Brazil (will make it to the semifinal because they are playing the Netherlands for the spot, and if they lose to them I just have to hang my head in shame...lol!.  
• Brasil/Brazil will probably face Uruguay (i.e. even though Ghana was looking strong, I don't think they can beat Uruguay), as a face-off for the 1950 World Cup Final, but hopefully with inverted scoreboard (2 x 1 Brasil, this time).  
• Argentina will make it to the semi-finals for sure.
• I don't care what people say about Germany, I don't think they are going.
• Final Brasil/Brazil v Argentina, neighbor x neighbor, mortal enemies.
• And if all goes well Brasil/Brazil will be the NUMBER ONE! Woohoo!"

****  What do you think?  1950 World Cup?  What is "inverted scoreboard"?  Is she right? 


Kanak, for THE WIRK

2010 NBA Finals Los Angeles Lakers pregame video

For those of you that have never been to the Staples Center, here's the video that was shown on the scoreboard before the Los Angeles Lakers home games (i.e. during the 2010 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics).

I shot the video before Game 6.  Enjoy!




THE WIRK

ECP is the new airport for Panama City, Florida ~ PFN is gone

Panama City, Florida has a new airport.  This is not common knowledge, and believe me this bit of information deserves its own post since GPS and other services like Yelp! don't seem to recognize that PFN no longer exists.  From what I understand there's a man who waits at the entrance of the old airport (i.e. that I hear is going to be torn down) and redirects people to the new airport). 

The new airport code for Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is ECP.  Yes, I typed that correctly - ECP.  Very intuitive, I know.  From what I could ascertain the airport supports both Delta and Southwest Airlines.

If you need or want more information here's the Wikipedia page.

You're welcome.

"Most airports, instead of showing advertisements on the screens, will tell you which carousel you luggage will come in on."  <---  I overheard a man talking, while I was looking/waiting for my bag.


THE WIRK

Flight delayed? Just Tweet and watch the 2010 NBA Draft

****  I know I'm late, with this post.  I was on vacation.  That doesn't mean I don't have something to say.

My travel nightmares over the past few days started on Thursday night...

I was at the gate ready to board my flight, when the gate agent got on the intercom to announce that my flight would be delayed.  It just so happens I was talking on the phone when the announcement was going on.  I heard it just fine (i.e. along with the other 100 people at the gate), but some strange lady in orange pants started waving her hands in front of me to try to shush me.  If you read this blog, you also know that I don't like people who wave their hands at me to get me to do or NOT do something.  Regardless, the lady spazzed out again while sitting down an hour later and some other strangers had to help her get some airport personnel to attend to her.  Who knows what the lady's issue was, but at least she had a team of 5 people to handle her.

On Thursday, my flight was supposed to leave Minneapolis around 5:30 PM, but left around 11:15PM instead.  Awesome.  Does anyone even know that Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport had a G Terminal?!?!  I had no idea.  It's faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar.  Regardless,  There's nothing anyone can do about a flight delay and this blow wasn't as devastating for me, since it gave me a chance to watch the NBA Draft.  I love the NBA Draft when the draft pool is loaded with talent.  I'm not going to sugar coat it.  In comparison to the 1996 NBA Draft, I think this year's draft pool was relatively shallow. 

1996 was stacked with talent.  As a recap from Wikipedia:

Round one

1. Allen Iverson* (SG) United States Philadelphia 76ers Georgetown-So.
2. Marcus Cambyx (C) United States Toronto Raptors UMass-Jr.
3. Shareef Abdur-Rahim+ (PF) United States Vancouver Grizzlies California-Fr.
4. Stephon Marbury* (PG) United States Milwaukee Bucks (traded to Minnesota) Georgia Tech-Fr.
5. Ray Allen* (SG) United States Minnesota Timberwolves (traded to Milwaukee Bucks) UConn-Jr.
6. Antoine Walker+ (PF) United States Boston Celtics (from Dallas) Kentucky-So.
7. Lorenzen Wright (C) United States Los Angeles Clippers Memphis-So.
8. Kerry Kittles (SG) United States New Jersey Nets Villanova-Sr.
9. Samaki Walker (PF) United States Dallas Mavericks (from Boston) Louisville-So.
10. Erick Dampier (C) United States Indiana Pacers (from Denver) Mississippi State-Jr.
11. Todd Fuller (C) United States Golden State Warriors (from Golden State via Orlando and Washington) NC State-Sr.
12. Vitaly Potapenko (C) Ukraine Cleveland Cavaliers (from Washington) Wright State-Jr.
13. Kobe Bryant* (SG) United States Charlotte Hornets (traded to L.A. Lakers) Lower Merion HS (Lower Merion, PA)
14. Peja Stojaković* (SF) Yugoslavia Sacramento Kings PAOK (Greece)
15. Steve Nash* (PG) Canada Phoenix Suns Santa Clara-Sr.
16. Tony Delk (SG) United States Charlotte Hornets (from Miami) Kentucky-Sr.
17. Jermaine O'Neal* (F/C) United States Portland Trail Blazers Eau Claire HS (Columbia, SC)
18. John Wallace (PF) United States New York Knicks (from Detroit via San Antonio) Syracuse-Sr.
19. Walter McCarty (PF) United States New York Knicks (from Atlanta via Miami) Kentucky-Sr.
20. Zydrunas Ilgauskas+ (C) Lithuania Cleveland Cavaliers Atletas (Lithuania)

I told you that the 1996 NBA Draft talent was deep!

This year was different.  If you didn't know ahead of time who the #1 (i.e. John Wall) and #2 (i.e. Evan Turner) picks were, then you either don't like basketball or you're stupid.  Like I said, I'm not going to sugar coat it.

Stuck at the airport, I had no choice but to pony up in front of a TV and watch the NBA draft and READ the closed captioning.  After a while that is no fun.  So, with my trust iPhone in hand I logged into my Twitter account to see what people had to say.  I follow some really intelligent people in sports who are in the know, and I also follow some clowns that make me laugh with their 140 character posts.  I sat there and almost accidentally spit out my drink reading the tweets, when the Utah took Gordon Hayward 9th.  I laughed out loud after reading some of the comments when the New Orleans Hornets drafted Kansas' Cole Aldrich at #11. 

As soon as Aldrich was selected one of my friends who I follow wrote that "Chris Paul was as good as gone."  I laughed.  Then the Hornets agreed to trade Aldrich and guard Morris Peterson to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Thunder's 21st and 26th picks in the first round.  I couldn't wait to see Kevin Durant's face to decipher his reaction to the trade.  Actually, now that I think about it, I follow KDThunderup on Twitter and I can't remember if he reacted or not.  Read into that, what you will.

Interestingly, with the 23rd pick, Trevor Booker was the first senior to be drafted by the Timberwolves.  Read into that, what you will.

During the draft I noticed a post that David Aldridge wrote saying that Rasheed Wallace was going to retire. That was my chance to Tweet that on a day when everyone welcomes rookies to the league, it's always important to remember the veterans!

I haven't read Bill Simmons' NBA Draft Diary post yet.  Like a kid on Christmas, I anxiously look forward to it every year,  Simmons' basketball knowledge is so deep that I use it as a litmus test to see if I still "have it".  If I get lost and don't understand his references, it's a sign that I need to study-up some more.  My brother isn't a formidable opponent, even though he like to think he knows his basketball history ~ he doesn't.  Usually he hits me with some highlights from Simmons' piece and a couple of questions, but since he's in Cape Town this year (i.e. World Cup), I'll forgive him for slacking this year.

John Wall is a Washington Wizard,  Stephen Strasburg is a Washington National.  Donovan McNabb is a Washington Redskin.  Alex Ovechkin is a Washington Capital.  In the course of a few years, Washington DC has become a "sexier" town for athletes.  Now, all Washington needs to do is show the rest of the teams that it can WIN.

THE WIRK

The Wirk takes time out (i.e. vacation aka the 7th inning stretch)

Vacation <--  One of my favorite words in the English language.

Vacation <--  What Mr. Wright talked me into, and I'm much more relaxed, tanner, and happier as a result of it. 

Call it my 7th inning stretch.  I started this blog in January to chronicle my sports, music, and travel adventures and give my 2 cents on any topic that interested me.  After 6 months of INTENSE travel for work and Wirk, I needed a break ~ even if it was a short time-out.

I was in Panama City Beach, Florida on family vacation over the weekend.  It wasn't my family, but hey ~ those are just details...  I'd never been to PCB before, and I hadn't seen my friend in almost 2 years.  So, when Mr. Wright asked me to join him on family vacation, I said YES.

I met Mr. Wright years ago when I lived in Atlanta.  He and I built a friendship through the years (i.e.  met in 2002).  As soon as I saw him, I had a crush.  He's handsome, it was inevitable.  I shared an apartment with a coworker and whether I'd be out with her or out with friends, it just seemed like every weekend, he was always there.

We wouldn't really go out much, but we always had fun.  My first trip to Turner Field was on Easter, when he took me to a Braves game.  Mr. Wright loves baseball but hates professional basketball.  Yes, even Mr. Wright is not perfect,  LOL.  We've seen Prince at Philips Arena.  Remember Music Midtown in Atlanta?  We were there for its final year in 2005.  He wanted to see Common, and I wanted to see Kanye (i.e. sure enough they came out on stage together).

We went to Las Vegas to bet the Super Bowl.  He had the New England Patriots, and I won on the New York Giants +12.5.  He might be Mr. Wright, but I was Ms. Right, that Sunday!  Vegas again for his 30th birthday.  Why?!?  Because, that's what you do for the people that matter in your life.  You spend time and you take care of your friends and even though miles separate, you find ways to keep in touch.

My friend takes care of himself (i.e. eats right and exercises) so he looks great.  His personality equals his appearance.  His friends refer to him as a "Manther".  When I first heard it I couldn't help but laugh.  If you don't know what it is, look it up.  I don't know whether I agree or not, but I will tell you that he's not old.

Manther coming out of the water

I can't spend a couple of days with all the people I want to in my life, but I am definitely happy I was able to a time out and focus on the waves of the ocean, hang in a pool, have dinner, and walk the beach while looking for ghost crabs with my friend, Mr. Wright.

I didn't see any tar balls or sign of oil along the beach,, but we did see a smaller shark that had two bites taken out of it.  I assume it was by a bigger shark.  Ever have your friend scare the hell out of you on a beach by acting like a shark or crab was going to get you?  No?  I have.  I jumped out of fear and he cracked up laughing.  Awesome.  But anyway...
-----------------------

Don't know what a ghost crab is?  Neither did I, but they're a bunch of them in the shallow water on PCB at night.  Kids are out there with nets and buckets trying to catch them.  If you've never seen one, check out this video.  ****  No, I did NOT shoot this video.  I just found it on youtube.


-----------------------

"There are times.. when you'll need someone..
I will be by your side..
There is a light, that shines,
special for you, and me.."
--- "The Light" by Common

Thanks for making me take a much needed time out, Mr. Wright.  See you next time!


THE WIRK

Jay-Z and Eminem ~ 2nd date added in New York, 9/13 and 9/14

Today it was announced that there will be an additional date added for the JAY-Z and EMINEM Unite concert(s) in New York at the new Yankees Stadium.

The dates for the show in New York are:

Monday, September 13
Tuesday, September 14

There was a presale for the Monday show earlier today, but both shows goes on sale tomorrow at 10AM.  However, for the Tuesday show, New York Yankees season ticket holders get a 2 hour advance jump on buying up tickets. 

If you haven't seen Jay-Z or Eminem, you need to get yourself to the show.  You will NOT be disappointed!  Jay-Z is amazing in concert and Eminem has left me speechless (i.e. in a good way). 

My favorite Eminem performance was during the Anger Management Tour years ago.  His performance of Evil Deeds left me with chills.  Here's the best I could find of him performing the number live in NY.  Enjoy, but if your ears are sensitive to language (i.e. mom, this means you), don't click the video.




THE WIRK

Wimbledon: Isner v Mahut - Part 3 starts tomorrow

I saw a picture of a close family member at Wimbledon today, and I couldn't believe it.  Well, actually ~ I could believe it, but that's not the point.  I was jealous!  In addition to seeing him with a Wimbledon headband (i.e. think Bjorn Borg), he also sent me the following picture (i.e. "I've queued for the 2010 Championships").  To add insult to injury, this was not his first time there.  Anyway...

Today at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, John Isner and Nicolas Mahut battled.  To say that it was a marathon, isn't doing it justice.  It was the 2nd day of their 1st round match.

Today, the players ended their outing tied.   Each had 2 sets each and the 59 games EACH in the fifth set.  Yes, you read it correctly, 59 (i.e. fifty-nine)!  Isner and Mahut had their play suspended after 7 hours, 6 minutes on court, due to darkness.

It doesn't surprise me that there's already a Wikipedia page for the match, since it's definitely one for the history books!  The Wikipedia page (i.e. at the time of the suspension for darkness on 23 June) has statistics for the match in process, but I did want to point out a couple of statistics.  Mahut has 95 aces, and Isner has 98 aces.  Further, Isner has had 4 match points, and Mahut has had 0.

Both players seemed unable to break each other's serve and I can't imagine the degree of fatigue each must feel.  I'm not sure how they're going to get out of bed tomorrow to play, but hopefully the match will conclude (i.e. FINGERS CROSSED) tomorrow.

Even though grass courts don't appear to be Isner's forte, I predict that he wins.

Speaking of Wimbledon, does anyone remember the 2008 Wimbledon final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer?  If you're a tennis fan, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  I was in Las Vegas and I bet on Federer.  I fell asleep and woke up to see that Nadal had the advantage.  It basically looked like Nadal had the match in hand, so I went back to sleep.  When I woke up AGAIN, Federer was coming back!  I had to watch the rest of the match at the Home Turf sports bar at the Las Vegas airport.  Thanks to Delta, I was able to easily bump myself off of my flight to watch the end of the match.  I lost, but Nadal won.  That match was amazing, and my first class seat on the way home helped ease my pain... 

THE WIRK

Ron Artest's NBA Championship post-game interview and celebration

So many people are so quick to hate and not congratulate.  Have you see, Ron Artest's post-game interview after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 7 for the NBA Championship?  The sincerity in his emotions and the joy in his actions and his voice are visibly and audibly genuine.  I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the biggest Ron Ron fan, but I cannot help but like him after watching him come up huge in a couple of games in this series and after this interview. 

Sports are one of the few forums where men will actually let down their guard and let out their human vulnerabilities.  Men can play the game like boys and still come out champions!



Want to know what happens after the interview, when Ron went to "the Club".  Well, according to the following ESPN article by Sam Alipour, Ron Ron went out to "the Club" in full uniform and then eventually gave his uniform to Chris Brown.  Why not?!?!  It's Ron Ron...  He's come a LONG way from the Pistons-Pacers brawl.  He's a Champion now.


THE WIRK

Great meeting ~ USA defeats Algeria, Donovan's goal and Saifi slaps and is punched

I just wrapped up my "meeting" with Algeria and all I can say is WOW...  It took about 91 minutes, but Landon Donovan came through for USA in the 2010 FIFA World Cup game against Algeria.  Now I'm not saying that there was a complete work stoppage (i.e. think Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate Sudden Death, circa US Open 2008), but the noise level has increased tremendously now that the USA v Algeria game is over.  If you missed the meeting request, USA won 1-0.

The population around here has gone from 4 to at least 30 by now.  Basically, it was an "all-hands" team building session and morale is up in the office as a result.

I wasn't able to join the meeting until the last 8 minutes, but from what I understand USA scored twice, but had their goals taken away with two offsides calls.  De ja vu...  Just saying.

With about 15 mins left in the "meeting", my friend gave me an update that it was tied at 0 (i.e. the Bears were winning <--  Ferris Bueller reference).  He told me that USA had to win to advance, since it looked like Slovenia was going to lose to England.

I "videoconferenced" into the meeting to watch the final goal and see the USA team hold the lead.  Meeting over and it's lunch time...

I wonder what people will be talking about?!?!

By the way, have you seen Landon Donovan's ESPN commercial yet?  If not, here you go.



And of course there's more to the story for Algeria...  Have you seen this Fanhouse article?  It appears that after the USA v Algeria match, Algeria's Rafik Saifi slapped a female reporter.  In response, female reporter, Asma Halimi, punched him in the mouth.  Nice, huh...

Can't we all just get along?

THE WIRK

2010 MLB All-Star, Boston Red Sox Mickey Mouse vandalized

I completed the 2010 MLB All-Star Game Mickey Mouse Scavenger hunt (i.e. in Southern California) and it's been brought to my attention that the Boston Red Sox Mickey Mouse has been vandalized.

According to the following MSNBC article, the Boston Red Sox Mickey Mouse has been sent back to Disney for repair.  The statue was vandalized on Friday and removed on Monday.

Come on, people.  It's a statue and it was in front of the Discovery Science Center.  If you don't like the Red Sox or any other team's statue, can't you just walk away from it?  Let the kids enjoy it.


THE WIRK

Viva la Practice - France loses to South Africa, 2-1

So in 2010 FIFA World Cup action today,  France lost to RSA (i.e. the Republic of South Africa) and all I know is that a few of the French players refused to practice.  According to the ABC News article, "On Sunday the French players refused to practice to protest the decision by the French soccer federation to send home forward Nicolas Anelka, who reportedly insulted Domenech at halftime of a 2-0 defeat by Mexico last Thursday. " 

Well, we all know now how that worked out for the French team. 

France lost today, with a final score of 2-1.  If you want a game recap, use this ESPN link.  If you want to laugh, check out the following video of a remix from DJ Steve Porter.  It has Allen Iverson, Jim Mora, Dennis Green, Joe Namath (i.e. incidentally, who can forget that sideline interview?!?!  wow...), Mike Gundy & Terrell Owens.   Have we learned nothing about the value of practice?!?! 

Viva la Practice!!!



****  Oh and it gets better, I just saw this USA Today article with another video clip. It appears that the French coach, Raymond Domenech, refuses to shake the hand of the South African coach.  Nothing like a poor loser and a lack of sportsmanship...


THE WIRK

I saw Katie Smith (WNBA player and Ohio State Alumnus) the other day

Yesterday I was running around the Newseum and I saw Katie Smith.  I didn't recognize her, but my friend did.  Being from Ohio, I remember watching her in college at The Ohio State University.  I remember her outside shooting.  I have no recollection of her making a lay-up, because when I saw her on TV, she was always launching 3s.  Katie Smith led Ohio State to a Big Ten championship and the NCAA title game as a freshman,  According to her Wikipedia page, she also broke the Big Ten scoring record for points scored in a career, in men's or women's basketball.  Katie Smith is the the first female Buckeye athlete to have her number retired.



I don't follow the WNBA, but I went to a few Cleveland Rockers games.  Being in Cleveland during the NBA off-season, my ex-fiance would be asked to come out and show support for the Rockers so we'd go to a few games.  I remember that there weren't that many fans in the building, but the fans that were there were LOUD. 

Back to Katie Smith...  According to her Wikipedia page, in 2005, she became the first American female basketball player to score 5,000 total points in a professional career. She is 3rd on the list of all time leaders in scoring in the WNBA behind Lisa Leslie and Tina Thompson, however, she is the all time leading scorer in women's professional basketball with her ABL points included.  Needless to say, Katie Smith is accomplished.

I thought about going over and saying something to her, but it's all pretty random how I remember her college career and to be honest, I never followed her professionally.  She was with a couple of her teammates, and I didn't want to bother her.  Maybe one day I'll run over to the Verizon Center and catch a Mystics Game and see her play (i.e. on March 16, 2010, Katie Smith signed a contract with the Washington Mystics as a free agent).


THE WIRK

Cleveland Cavs: Stop focusing on the trivial (logo change) and find a head coach, please...

Now, don't get me wrong ~  I am an Ohio girl and a Cleveland Cavaliers fan, but come on...  This is getting silly.

What is going through the minds of the team ownership/management?  Don't we have bigger fish to fry?  Really...  Why don't we focus on finding a terrific head coach, and stop focusing on the trivial?!?!

According to the following article: http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/logo_updated_100621.html

"The Cavs have just announced an update to team logos and wordmarks to better represent an "original expression" of the wine and gold colors. The color changes, to a deeper wine and brighter gold, are truer to the hues that were a part of the team’s history from 1970-1983."

Now that we solved the logo "problem", what's next on the agenda? 


THE WIRK

Visit the Newseum: Iooss' Athlete Exhibit, Pulitzer Prize winning photos, etc.

If you haven't been to the new Newseum on Pennsylvania and 6th (i.e. it used to be located in Rosslyn), you really need to get out there.  If you like the news, journalism, photography, and sports you need to go and see all the exhibits this museum has to offer. 

Until the end of the year, visitors to the museum can check out "Athlete: The Sports Illustrated Photography of Walter Iooss".  This exhibit was the main reason for my visit, since my friend Teri and I had been talking about it for months now.  Some of my favorite images from Iooss' work are on display at the Newseum and if you can't get enough of his work, you can also buy his book in the gift shop.  If any of my friends or family are reading this post, you can feel free to buy me this book.  For someone like me (i.e. who loves sports and photography) this is a a beautiful book.

As you progress through the Athlete exhibit you see the images and there are short narratives from Iooss that describe why, how the picture was taken and the interaction with the athlete.  My friend has had the pleasure of meeting Walter Iooss, but I on the other hand can only dream of hearing him tell his stories.  Since the Iooss exhibit is on photography, I thought about it and I don't want to share my pictures of his pictures on here.  I want you to go see them for yourself and to read the plaques next to stills.  At the Newseum, you can really see what he captured and read the humor and wit that he conveys.

For those of you interested in the news headlines from history there is also a section about G-men and journalists.  Events such as the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, the Unabomber, and the Hearst SLA kidnapping are covered and on display. 

Some of the exhibits can be a little grim and images can be graphic and there are signs (i.e. throughout the Newseum) that some of the material may not be suitable for children.

The electric chair that the Bruno Hauptmann died in.  Hauptmann was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and murder of the Lindbergh baby

The Newseum offers up great views of the city and there are 2 studios in the facility. One studio is where ABC shoots "This Week".  You might recognize that the Newseum offers a great view of the Capitol.

Other notable exhibits include: Elvis, a 9/11 antenna, and the Berlin Wall.  Trust me, there is so much more that can be explored so don't think that is a comprehensive list of topics/exhibits.  You can literally spend all day in the Newseum.  Think I'm joking?  The tickets that you purchase for your visit are actually valid for the date you go and the following day, just in case you have more to cover or want to take another look.  I actually upgraded my ticket to an annual pass, because there is so much information to absorb and I definitely plan on coming back.

Antenna from the North Tower of the World Trade Center, after 9/11

Quote in the Pulitzer Prize photo section

In front of a section of the Berlin Wall

You can touch a piece of the Berlin Wall

In addition to the history and information provided in the other exhibits, there is an area where you can create your own video, read a teleprompter and "play" journalist.  You can pick your backdrop and create your video for $5.  Don't be shy, people.  Even though the Newseum does have a great gift shop, I think you should try out this opportunity.  It's only $5 and the experience is fun, so just do it!  You can take home a picture and download the video for 30 days.  Trust me ~ It'll be the best souvenir you take home.

THE WIRK

White Sox defeat the Nationals 1-0, and Peavy pitched a complete game shut out

It was a Saturday afternoon and the White Sox defeated the Nationals, 1-0.  White Sox pitcher, Jake Peavy, pitched a 3-hit complete-game shutout for the White Sox.  Nationals' Manager, Jim Riggleman was thrown out of the game and a couple got engaged in the section ahead of where we were sitting.  The crowd's reaction to the engagement was mixed (i.e. girls were happy, men were yelling "think it through).  My favorite reaction was Ozzie Guillen motioning to the newly engaged man that his life was over.  Hilarious.

View from section 119

I highly recommend the PNC Diamond Club for those of you looking for seats.  Each ticket comes with a $35 credit for food and drink and there's an air conditioned bar/restaurant area too.  For my money, there's no better place to sit.  Pat and I were lucky to be sitting in the shade, since it was a scorcher with the heat and humidity. 

Washington Nationals' Manager, Jim Riggleman, getting tossed out

White Sox win

With no real horse in the race, it was a fun afternoon at Nationals Park with good weather and great company! I remember Omar Vizquel when he played with the Cleveland Indians, and it's great to see him still in a uniform and playing.  With the win yesterday, the Chicago White Sox had won 5 games in a row.  Needless to say, I've been busy today and have no idea what happened in this afternoon's game.

THE WIRK

Manute Bol dies at age 47

Manute Bol died at age 47 on Saturday.  I never met the 7'7" Sudanese player, who began his NBA career with the Washington Bullets in 1985, but I have heard stories about him.  From what  I read he'd been battling kidney problem and a skin disease.  He had become quite the humanitarian in recent years.  I'm sure his presence will be missed and felt by the people and the causes he supported.  He died at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville.

Many years ago, I remember Bob Ferry telling me that when he was General Manager, he used to pay his son, Danny, to drive Manute around the DC/VA/MD area.  That sounds like Bob.  He's a very caring man, and I'm sure he wanted to keep his players safe.

RIP Manute.


THE WIRK

White Sox defeat the Nationals ~ Strasburg pitches, Obama at Nationals Park

Yesterday I told my friend, that I'd take him out to dinner for his birthday.  However, later that day, I realized that Washington Nationals', phenom Stephen Strasburg, was pitching against the Chicago White Sox.  Change of plans...  So much for dinner, my friend and I were going to go to a baseball game!

It was my 2nd trip to Nationals Park (i.e. this year) and DJ and I settled into our seats in the Diamond Club.  White Sox scored first and the score was 1-0 in the 1st inning.  We both love baseball so we started to look around the park, and then we noticed that there was a lot of activity in the suites.  Yep, turns out that President Obama was at the game also.  If you ask me, our seats were better ~ but of course, he needs to be shielded/protected and the suites offer him that.

President Obama is at the game

With Strasburg on the mound, I wanted to sit behind home plate and see what it was like to have him throw "at me", and if you ask me the seats were a deal since each ticket came with $35 to spend at the game.  Plus, since the tickets weren't scanning properly, the lady in the Diamond Club gave us $70 in Nats Bucks!  Together, between the 2 of us, we had $140 to spend on food, drink, and merchandise.  Thanks for the free food and drink Washington Nationals and extra thanks for my new Stephen Strasburg jersey!

Can't make it to the game or need some gear for the next time you see Strasburg pitch?  Here's a link to his jersey so you can buy one also!

Here are some other pictures snapped during the game.

Joe West was the unpire, but Ozzie Guillen got to stay the entire game this time

Stephen Strasburg on the mound

Fireworks after the game

It took extra innings, but the Chicago White Sox defeated the Washington Nationals, 2-1. 

Looks like another great day for some baseball ~ take ME out to the ball game!

THE WIRK

Whatever happened to Tab Ramos and that Snickers Commercial?

As I watch USA battle Slovenia, I am reminded of Tab Ramos and his Snickers commercial.  It seemed to me that Landon Donovan has been playing forever, but I guess I'm wrong since I just checked his Wiki and he's relatively young (i.e. born in 1982).  Actually, I didn't know Donovan plays for the LA Galaxy... 

Tab Ramos on the other hand is much older.  I didn't know he was born in Uruguay...  According to Wiki, "...after playing for the US in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, he was named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 1990.  Ramos was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame on the first ballot, in 2005."  The Wiki page goes on further to say that he's retired and living in New Jersey.

Do you remember his Snickers commercial?  I couldn't pick the man out of a line-up, but I remember his legs from the commercial!

Here's the Snickers commercial, for those of you that like soccer players and candy.  Enjoy!




THE WIRK

The Lakers are the NBA Champions, and I argue with a Celtics fan after Game 7

This is a picture of my losing betting slip.  The Lakers are the new NBA Champions, as they defeated the Boston Celtics tonight by a margin of less than 7 points.

During the games, when I watch from home I usually am logged into my Twitter account, to further entertain myself and read other people's witty comments during the game.  I follow about 100 other people.  If you're sports-related and you make me laugh, chances are I follow you. 

I follow TheBigLead on Twitter, and towards the end of the game they tweeted:  Kobe makes 2 FTs. Boston misses, Fouls ... Lakers make 2 FTs? Maybe? #soyouresayingtheresachance

Now, being that I knew the spread I knew exactly what they were talking about!

Oh well, at least I cleaned up nicely at the craps table, to compensate for the bad bet.  At the end of the day, the missed free throws hurt me, but the craps table loved me so who cares! :-P

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Ever argue with a fan of a losing team?  It's pointless.  Friends shouldn't use another person's facebook pages to vent about their team's loss.  I didn't beat the Celtics.  I didn't play a single minute or score a single point.  I was at Game 6.  I'm an old school Lakers fan, even though I'm not a Kobe Bryant fan.  After what I saw in Game 6, and knowing that Perk probably wasn't going to play in Game 7, I thought the best bet was Lakers -7.  Turns out, I was wrong.  But ~ am I the one crying about my loss?  Nope.  Instead, I get this exchange ~ which is here for your reading pleasure.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but in this case it's worth about 40 comments!  ****  And yes, I edited the exchanges because one day my mom might read this blog!

Cry Baby: Yeah I'm glad u lost that bet. I hope u put a lot of money on it.

Me: hey, poor loser, are you blind? it's only 440, and i cleared $1100 with craps so who cares.

Cry Baby: Glad u lost.

Me: go cry on someone else's page

Cry Baby: Lemme guess, you're betting against Strasburg tomorrow too....

Cry Baby: Not on ur page, don't over-indulge yourself.

Cry Baby: Traitor

Me: yeah - you are. it's my pic.

Me: i'm an old school lakers fan, just anti-kobe ~ so play nice or get off my page

Cry Baby: Screw your $440. Glad you lost. You have nothing to show for it. You know you're not a Lakers fan.  You rooting for White Sox tomorrow too? I bet you are.

Me: i have tons of kareem stuff and magic posters in my bedroom (i.e. childhood bedroom and colllege dorm room). $440 is nothing (i.e. i'd won a lot more in vegas recently) - i don't care about it and that's why i bet it. go cry.  get a life and stay off my page. and yes, i would bc i don't care about the nats. i'd root for strasburg though.

Cry Baby: Cavs are dogsh*t. Swallow that.

Me: both aren't NBA champs this year, so it sounds about even to me. don't you have to work tomorrow. maybe you should get some sleep. no one here wants to see you cry

Cry Baby:  do you EVER work? 71 venues is indicative of a tough work schedule.

Me:  i never said i had a tough work schedule ~ don't hate me because my life is a hell of a lot easier than yours :-P

Cry Baby: You know what, nevermind. Go Lakers in your head. Your allegiance it commendable.

Me:  i grew up on the lakers. and became a CAVS fan bc of my ex-fiance and being that i'm from ohio. maybe one day you'd actually know what you're talking about and then who knows you could possibly be dangerous ~ not saying you need to read my blog, but if you can read - perhaps you should check it. i'm a lakers fan but anti-kobe, but last i checked he's only 1 player.

Cry Baby:  Dogshit

Me:  loser

Cry Baby: Traitor  Go White Sox huh?

Me: get a life, and sure - why not? i'm not from here.

Cry Baby:  In the end, Lakers are still 2nd best. Bite me.

Me:  tonight nobody cares...

Cry Baby: So The Wirk is all about the Lakers next year? Or whatever team LaBron goes to? Or a hybrid or either??? Or do you dare to follow the Cavs no matter what happens?

Me: everyone is a potential reader! next year is next year - read the blog and find out.

Cry Baby: Honestly, u shouldn't be slanted in any direction to be a reputable writer.

Me:  i can do whatever i want bc it's MINE ~ that's the beauty of it! and when you do anything remotely interesting that draws my attention, i'll be sure to give you some pointers on it too :)

Cry Baby: That's fine. I remember being remotely interesting when you posted me on your blog when the C's beat the Cavs this year. Congrats, your favorite team won the title this year!!!! Good for you!!!!!

Me: nice try - thewirk.com superfan, but you're obv keeping up bc you knew i hit 71 venues and even my mom doesn't know that. lmao!!! sooooo, thanks for your support and have fun at work tomorrow. i'm gonna hit orbitz since i have about $700 to play with and even though i lost, my life is still better than yours right now. keep on truckin' :-P

Cry Baby: Has nothing to do with my last statement. Now ur just saying ur cooler than I am. Sweet. I'll wake up tomorrow morning and beg to God I can be as cool as you some day.

Me: not sure when your boss wants you at work, but if you're gonna add prayer to your routine, you should go to bed soon. have a great night!

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My favorite Tweets from the game:

THEWIRK: now begins the slowest, most boring time of the year - the lull where there is only #baseball, and everyone holds their breath for #football


sportspickle Is Bill Russell getting so old he thinks he played for the Lakers?
---  Good to know that I wasn't the only one who thought it looked strange to see Bill Russell with all the Lakers.

THEWIRK: is it bad that i chuckled that ron ron thanked his psychiatrist... what a game though ~ he was stellar!
---  You have to give Ron Artest his props.  He played HUGE.

sportspickle: And Scalabrine is back in the game. Shelden Williams should probably retire now.

THEWIRK: my twitter feed has "brian #scalabrine" trending and not "justin #bieber"... the world is coming to an end!
---  Speechless.

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Now like, I tweeted we wait for football and enjoy the summer with baseball...  Take me out to the ball game!


THE WIRK