Every Little Step remake ~ Mike Tyson, Wayne Brady, and Bobby Brown

Have you seen the "Every Little Step" remake with Wayne Brady, Bobby Brown, and Mike Tyson yet?  I finally watched the whole thing today since everyone and the mother keeps sending it to me.  So, just in case you've been living under a rock, here you go!

Iron Mike looks a little tired working his moves towards the end of the video, but this is still FANTASTIC.

Every Little Step with Mike Tyson & Wayne Brady from Mike Tyson

I don't know about you, but I remembered the Bobby Brown rap at the end of the song!  Time to find that old cd and reminisce...  If you don't have it, pick it up!

As for Mike Tyson, I just checked his Twitter account (i.e. MikeTyson) and he's been getting a lot of love for the bit.  How fun!


THE WIRK

The ALDS and NLDS begin next week ~ Take me out to the ball game!

Seeing as though I spend a lot of time traveling, I'm excited about the MLB post-season.  Specifically, I'm anxiously awaiting to "final" ALDS and NLDS match-ups so I can determine where I want to go and how much time (i.e. if any) I want to take off of work.  It's been a long time since I've been in a city where there's post-season baseball.  Lately, I've been spending a lot of time in Minneapolis, and I'm excited to head to Target Field for game 1 of the Minneapolis Twins series.  From what I can see, Game 1 of the ALDS is Wednesday, October 6.  I cannot wait.

Moreover, as an Ohio girl, I'm thrilled to see the Cincinnati Reds are in the NLDS hunt. I haven't been to the new ballpark in Cincinnati yet, but I have fond memories of going to the old Riverfront Coliseum as a kid and listening to "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang while fireworks peppered the sky (i.e. if the Reds won).  When I was younger, my mom was strict.  Now I'm older, but let's face it ~ she's still strict.  She's so strict that she wouldn't let me watch the Cincinnati Reds when they were playing the Oakland A's in the 1990 World Series.  I was forced to listen to the games on the radio!  On the radio!  Yes, RADIO!!!  I couldn't believe it...  LOL.

Regardless, I bet a classmate of mine (i.e. Aaron Howard) that Oakland would win.  I couldn't believe he'd picked Cincinnati to win it all, considering the Reds were the underdogs.  Needless to say, I lost my bet.

Years ago, I ran into Pete Rose in Las Vegas.  He was more than gracious and knew exactly what I was talking about when I told him where I was from.  Scandal aside, I found him to be a reasonable guy to chat with as he autographed a photo for me and posed for pictures.  I know he's in Las Vegas often.  Yeah, yeah, yeah.  Keep the jokes to yourself.  I'm from Ohio.  Pete Rose will always be special to me, and if I had a vote, I'd use it to vote him into the Hall of Fame.  If you ask me, he belongs in Cooperstown.  He's the "Hit King".

Well, mom.  I'm a BIG kid now, and you better believe that schedule permitting I'm going to be at a game or games this MLB post-season...  But I must admit, there's nothing like listening to the games on the radio... 

If you're curious and want to see the current MLB post-season schedule, here's a link: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/schedule/ps.jsp?y=10

For those of you Reds fans that want to re-live the good old days.  Here you go.

THE WIRK

Unathorized comments on NBA hard salary cap cost Ted Leonsis $100,000

Welcome to the NBA ownership, Ted Leonsis!  It looks like David Stern threw down the hammer when he fined Ted Leonsis $100,000 for his unauthorized comments regarding the NBA's collective bargaining negotiations and allusion to the adoption of a hard salary cap (i.e. similar to the NHL).  For those of you that don't know, Ted Leonsis is a new majority owner for the Washington Wizards, but he has been majority owner of the Washington Capitals for years.  Therefore, he's familiar with the "benefits" of a hard salary cap.

According to Wikipedia, "In June 2005, the NBA's 1999 CBA expired, meaning the League and the players' union had to negotiate a new agreement; in light of the fiasco that was the 2004–05 NHL lockout, the two sides quickly came to an agreement, and ratified a new CBA in July 2005. The new agreement will expire following the 2010–11 season, but the league has the option to extend it through the 2011–12 season if it wishes. If so, the League must exercise its option to extend the agreement by December 15, 2010."

For any of you that can't sleep and want to read the current CBA (i.e. collective bargaining agreement), here's the link:  http://www.nbpa.org/cba/2005

Personally, I have very fond memories of the 1998-1999 NBA season and the associated NBA Lockout...  Ahhhh, yes.  Those were the days :-P

THE WIRK

RIP BallHype

I knew I was slacking with this blog...  I was too busy "living" to be typing.  Does anyone know what happened to BallHype.com?  I enjoyed that blogger forum.  It was perfect for people like me who love sports and also have stories to share...    Looks like the site went away in late August.

From what I read,  the couple that created BallHype and ShowHype made $3 million from media group Future US.  BallHype was launched in April 2007.

What a shame!


THE WIRK

Dez Bryant learns that payback costs close to $55K at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

As someone who's dined at many a Pappas restaurant (i.e. in Dallas and Houston, Texas), I found this amusing.  I didn't think much of Dez Bryant, once I heard that he refused to carry Roy Williams' pads during training camp.  I thought Bryant was being whiny, by not being willing to go through the rookie "process".  Most people know that (i.e. I think) that rookies are asked to carry bags, pick-up donuts, carry pads, etc. as a way of "paying their dues" to the veterans. 

Well, after paying a dinner tab that was close to $55,000.00 from Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, maybe ~ just maybe, Dez Bryant is thinking the same thing we all did back then...  He should've just carried Roy Williams's pads.  Oh well.  Rookie mistake.


THE WIRK

NBA Media Day was yesterday and Training Camp has begun

Yesterday was the "start" of the NBA Season with NBA training camp opening up and Media Day!  For those of you that don't know, media is a busy day for those involved in the NBA.  It's like the first day of school for your favorite NBA athletes.  They get their hair cut, some wax their backs (i.e. I swear), and make sure they're camera ready when they have their pictures taken, talk to the press,  and answer questions about the offseason and what they expect for the upcoming season(s).

I was busy yesterday, so I didn't catch (i.e. see/hear) any of the action, but I'm sure that seeing Carmelo Anthony in his jersey served as some (i.e. perhaps temporary) consolation to Denver Nuggets fans.  Further, I can't imagine how different media day was for Cleveland Cavaliers reporters compared to the previous 7, now that LeBron has, "taken his talents to South Beach". 

Keeps your eyes open, because cities that aren't used to an NBA presence during the year often host the teams during training camp.  I know that some franchises have left their "homes" in order to focus on the upcoming season (i.e. the Phoenix Suns are in San Diego, the Minnesota Timber Wolves are in Mankato, the Miami Heat are at Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, etc.).  Years, ago I was in Hawaii and saw several men in purple and gold.  Sure enough, I was in the pool that afternoon and noticed Brian Shaw sitting in a chair.  Yes, boys and girls.  The Los Angeles Lakers held their training camp in Honolulu that year and could be found around the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Phil Jackson and Jeanie Buss walking the beach in Hawaii

Forget preseason, I'm looking forward to the first NBA game of the season!  For those of you still relishing in last year's NBA Championship, here's a DVD so you can re-live those moments :-P


THE WIRK

My birthday dinner and festivities with Kanak and friends

My friend, Kanak, and I share the same birthday.  Seriously.  God was playing a joke on you when she and I were born, but you should count your lucky stars that we're on this planet, because I happen to think we both ROCK.  Yes, I'm biased.

Starving and waiting to eat

Dinner was at Eventide, and the restaurant provided us with choices for a prix fixe menu.  Everything on the menu was fantastic.  I really enjoyed the crab and melon appetizer and the beef entree.  Most of all, I was pleased that most of my favorite people were able to make it.  Thanks to all of you that came out to dinner or to say, "Hi," and have a few drinks with me afterwards.  Your presence was noted and very much appreciated. 

With Joe, a former co-worker and the only guy I who I could talk into road-tripping down to Chapel Hill on the day of a Duke v UNC basketball game to scalp tickets and into a Hawaiian vacation.  Fun times!

With Taiwanna, a former co-worker from my days in Atlanta, who always lets me crash with her when I'm in town.  She's a great friend who I don't see nearly enough. Luckily, she could work remotely and come to NY and DC to spend time with me.

Obviously, I can't put every picture in here, so if you didn't make the blog it doesn't mean I love you less.  Thanks again to all of you that came out to help me celebrate.  It meant a lot to this girl!

Oh and, of course, I'm still accepting presents.  So, just in case, I'll include my Paypal address at the bottom of the post :-P

THE WIRK

paypal:  thewirk@gmail.com

Aziz Ansari and John Mulaney ~ Warner Theatre, Washington DC

I love stand-up comedy.  I grew up watching comedians perform stand-up on TV, since my dad was strict, and I was never let out of the house.  OK, that may be an exaggeration...  Never say "never", right?  Right.  However, ask anyone who knew me when I was younger and they'll tell you that my parents ran a tight ship!

On Friday, September 17th I went with some friends to the Warner Theatre to see Aziz Ansari.  I'm not sure which of my friends clued me into the fact that he was coming to town, but the minute I heard I scooped up 4 tickets.  I went to the show with my friends Bik, Heather, and Amy.  After dinner at Chef Geoff (i.e. my "go to" spot whenever I have something to attend at the Warner) we were ready for the show.

****  You should know that the service/kitchen is slow at Chef Geoff, when there are events at the Warner so you should budget your time properly.  Lucky for us, we were seated by the window, so it was easy to see when the line into the theatre was moving and when it was worth our time to start queueing.

While sitting by the window, I saw someone I know run past it.  I knew he'd attended the earlier show so I sent him a text asking about whether or not there was an opener.  John Mulaney was the opening act, and I thought he was funny.  If I remember correctly, he has ties to the DC area. 

I was excited to see Aziz and he didn't disappoint.  Although I must say I liked his previous tour material better.  Don't get me wrong.  I still think it was a great show - but his previous material is tighter and funnier.  That's just my 2 cents, but go check him out for yourself and be your own judge!  Don't worry ~ I'm not going to tell you his jokes - you need to see him or look them up on youtube. 

At the entrance for the Warner there were a bunch of signs that  no photography would be allowed.  Aziz made mention of this and gave the audience a couple of minutes to snap away so that people could get it out of their systems and he could do the show without the flashing.  I thought that was a nice gesture.

Check out Aziz Ansari when he comes to a city near you to perform his "Dangerously Delicious Tour" or buy Parks & Recreation: Season One and laugh at him at home.

THE WIRK

Happy Birthday to Me ~ AC with my gambling buddies

I'm lucky to have a good group of guy friends who like to gamble (i.e. Kevin, Carlos, Mario, and Pat) and who wanted to take me to AC for my birthday.  I really don't know if they actually thought of it as my birthday present, but as far as I'm concerned it was my birthday trip.

We got a late start on the drive up, but all had  arrived at Caesars close to 9.  They treated me to dinner at the Noodle Bar and then it was time to win!

Incidentally, it was also the week of the premiere for Boardwalk Empire and a few of the cast members were playing craps.  Almost everyone and their mother had lanyards for the screening.  Random.  However, Caesars was definitely home base for that crew.

The craps tables weren't as hot as they normally are, but I still managed to do pretty well.  Posing pics of my chips is getting old, but here's the ticket I won, when I hit a flush (i.e. not sure if it was straight or not) when playing video poker.  For that win, I'd like to credit my friend, Pat, since he had slot credits to burn.  I was just killing time and WON.

The guys like to call me "Pamphlet".  As in, get some help, know when to quit, blah blah blah.  If anything I win more than they do...  Just saying :-P

At the end of my trip my friend, Mario, presented me my birthday pamphlet (i.e. not a birthday card).  The guys signed my pamphlet like they'd sign a birthday card!  HAHA.  I love it!!!!!

Thanks, guys!  You all rock!  Back to Atlantic City in a few days...

THE WIRK



(Un)happy Birthday to Me ~ Kinda, Sorta, Not Really, but Maybe

So, the 15th was my birthday.  I went out to dinner with a couple of friends and when I was at dinner I saw this girl who I'm not  friends with.  Why she'd drive miles and have dinner at a restaurant where she knew I was celebrating, is not that big of a mystery.  Obviously, she's nuts.

Regardless, the night was what is was, and I ended up out at another spot after dinner.  Sure enough.  She was there also.  Awesome.

Next thing you know 2 of her friends showed up also.  Double awesome.  Had I wanted to go to the zoo, I'd have gone to the zoo.

After hanging with friends at our Wednesday spot and seeing other friends, it was onto the next one...  AND, I'll give you one guess who was there.  Yep.  That girl.  It's a free country, but seriously?  And why on Earth was she talking to me all of a sudden? Silence is golden.

Mental note: I should've turned around and went home once I knew that my night out would be weird.  Like a moth to a flame...  Regardless, I still had fun seeing people who I don't normally see, since I'm always traveling here and there. 

To my dear friends who came out to help me celebrate, please know that seeing you out made me smile BIG!!!!  Big hugs for all of you, and if I don't tell you enough ~ please know that you're all very special to me. 

To the randoms that try to mess with me, get a life.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.


THE WIRK

Jay-Z and Eminem ~ Home and Home Concert, Yankee Stadium

Jay-Z and Eminem ~ Home and Home Concert, Yankee Stadium.  Tuesday, September 14, 2010.

Eminem, Dr. Dre, 50 cent, D-12, B.O.B, Kanye, Swizz Beatz, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Mary J. Blige, and Beyonce peformed... Diddy, Will Smith, Akon, and Bernie Williams etc. watched...

One word: AMAZING.

Akon is at the show

B.O.B and Eminem

Eminem and Dr. Dre

Mary J Blige

Will Smith

Diddy and Mary waiting for Jay-Z to take the stage

Kanye and Jay-Z

Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, and Kanye

Jay-Z and Kanye

Jay-Z and Swizz Beatz

Jay-Z and Eminem

Here's looking at you, kid :-P

Diddy, next to me ~ up close and personal. 

Jay-Z

Jay-Z and Mary J Blige

It's Beyonce

Jay-Z and Beyonce

Jay-Z

I was on the field at Yankee Stadium!  Here's the pitcher's mound...  I couldn't walk by it, without taking a picture.

Just so you can have some perspective, the concert stage was in centerfield.  I stepped out behind the VIP balcony platform and spun around during the show (i.e. I think it was after Eminem and before Jay-Z).  Here's my video.

Video that I shot of Dr. Dre taking the stage as Eminem performs

Video that I shot of Jay-Z's first song of the night.  Here's a portion of "Run this Town".

Video that I shot of Jay-Z and Kanye West on stage.  Kanye performs "The Good Life".  Here's a portion.

My favorite Jay-Z track at the moment is On to the Next One.  Here's a portion of the video that I shot of Jay-Z and Swizz Beatz on stage.

Video that I shot of Diddy getting down to and Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin".  This makes me smile.

Video that I shot of Diddy and Jay-Z getting down to Notorious BIG's "Juicy"

This was the view as I walked up the steps from the field as the crowd was clearing.  4 shows.  2 epic nights at Yankee Stadium.  I'm just happy, that I was a part of history!

THE WIRK

Jets lose their MNF home opener to the Ravens ~ Football with my cousin, Nick

I had had tickets to the New York Jets home opener for a while, and just wasn't sure who I wanted to take to the Monday Night Football game.  Problem solved when I pinged my cousin, Chris, and told him that I wanted to take one of my cousins with me.  Sure enough (i.e. in less than 24 hours) my cousin, Nick, sent me a text.  I love my cousin, Nick.  He's my buddy.  When he was in college, I once flew him from Jersey to Houston to come with me to see the Rockets in the Playoffs.  I'd do anything for family and Nick's great so I knew we'd have a fun time.

I took the train to Secaucus and then to the New Meadowlands Stadium.  It was easy, but you need to be aggressive when getting on the train or you'll be left in the dust.  The train drops you right off, next to the stadium.  Incidentally, on the train I met a man who was taking his son to the game.  The son was home from boarding school and wearing a Jets jersey, but his father is part of the ownership group that bought into the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise.  He showed me his Super Bowl ring.  I asked the kid if he was a Steelers fan and he just shrugged his shoulders.  Yeah, I guess "money" can't change "heart".

I was looking forward to the hype surrounding the Jets.  I wanted to see what Darrelle Revis could do.  I wanted to see LaDainian Tomlinson prove to the Chargers that they were wrong to let him go.  I couldn't wait to see Jason Taylor on the field in football pants.  I was curious to see if Mark Sanchez could win.  Granted I'm writing this piece late in an effort to catch up, but all I can say about the whole thing based on what I remember is that Jason Taylor is still fantastic to look at, "No" the Jets cannot win with Mark Sanchez as a quarterback.

I watched an episode and a half of Hard Knocks.  To be honest, that's a generous estimate since I may have seen the same episode twice. Regardless, I saw a scene in the show where Sanchez was at a table and more or less berating himself.  I don't think he can win and it appears that he doesn't believe he can either.  Awesome.  That must just be Fan-tas-tic for Jets fans.  During the game, the guys behind me were yelling for Mark Brunell...  Yep, it was like that.

On another note, I was curious to see how the stadium staff would transform the venue from Giants to Jets in a day.  Seems like plenty of work - but they got it done.

Did I mention that Green Day performed at half-time?

Jason Taylor still looks good!

Incidentally before the game, Nick gave me a black Power Balance bracelet.  He said that Mark Sanchez wears one too...  Ugh, I wonder if I'm going to start delivering lack-luster performances and disappointing people now, also.  Man...  I hope not.

Great night, but a Jets victory would have made it better.

Jets fans waiting for the train to leave the stadium

Get your Power Balance bracelet here, and see if it improves your performance.

THE WIRK

New York Giants defeat the Carolina Panthers ~ Inaugural game, New Meadowlands Stadium

I went to the New Meadowlands Stadium for its inaugural game featuring the Carolina Panthers v New York Giants, thanks to my friend Taiwanna.  What a great adventure and fun way to spend a Sunday.  We had the chance to check out a new stadium and be a part of history.  As an added bonus,  the Giants won!

Enjoy the other pictures from the stadium!

Giants Introductions

Deion Grant's interception

With Taiwanna and the Vince Lombardi trophies

Although, I prefer Peyton Manning, it was good to see Eli win at home.  It was a great time with a great friend! 

Can't wait for the next adventure...

THE WIRK