The Wirk in London and Ricky Hatton back in the ring

I hadn't been to London since 2009, but I went to visit/meet my mother-in-law for the first time over Thanksgiving weekend.  My new mother-in-law is fantastic!  I honestly couldn't have gotten any luckier.  It was a great few days, full of wonderful food and company.  Can't wait to go back!

After a few days in Shevington (i.e. near Wigan) my husband and I went to London. We stayed in Leicester Square while in London (i.e. which is the equivalent of Times Square in New York City)...  When did all the casinos pop up?  It's almost like the Las Vegas Strip now...

Coincidentally, there was added excitement that Saturday night, since Ricky Hatton was back in the ring fighting a Ukrainian in Manchester.  I'd never actually watched Hatton fight before.  I was in Vegas on December 8, 2007 when Hatton fought Floyd Mayweather.  Specifically, I was sitting in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino's sportsbook watching a bunch of men from the UK lay some late money on Hatton.  Needless to say, those men and Hatton lost that night and they would've lost if they bet the same way for Hatton's comeback fight.  Hatton was knocked out by Vyacheslav Senchenko in the 9th round.  

Hatton's boxing comeback is/was over.  As for London, I'll be back...

Lastly, MTV has Geordie Shore (i.e. the UK equivalent of Jersey Shore) over there?!!?  Really?!?!  Who knew...


THE WIRK

Guns N' Roses ~ Hard Rock, Las Vegas

For my wedding weekend, I decided that I didn't want a rehearsal dinner.  Instead, my husband-to-be and my great friend, Pat, went to see Guns N' Roses at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.  I hadn't seen Guns N' Roses, since I went with my brother to a show at the Hammerstein Ballroom in 2006, and I figured the concert would be more fun than some stuffy meal before my wedding day.

Guns N' Roses performed at The Joint and took the stage at 11PM.  They played for hours.  HOURS...  I couldn't tell you exactly how long they played, since the show seemed to go on and on and on.  We actually left before the concert officially ended and went to go eat at Mr. Lucky's.

If you ask me, the show was good even though it wasn't the Guns N' Roses of old.  My friend, Pat, is convinced that there were Axl Rose doubles being used throughout the show.  HE'S CONVINCED.

I can't really tell you, whether I believe Pat or not, because I didn't watch the show that closely.  Regardless, I had a good time!  Guns N' Roses residency at The Joint is over, and I'm happy I had the chance to see "them" perform again.


THE WIRK

2010 NBA Summer League ~ Las Vegas

I went to watch NBA Summer League in Las Vegas this year.  I've never been to Summer League before, but after spying my friend Mandy's pictures I decided I wanted to join in the fun.

I checked in the newly renovated Hard Rock Hotel and explored the new HRH Tower and pool during my "down time".  My room over looked the main pool and the Sunday Rehab party.

Rehab

I watched various Summer League games and the final game between the NBDL Select team and the LA Clippers.  I was sitting courtside and saw the buzzer beater that put the NBDL team over the Clippers for the win.

For anyone who's never been to Summer League and is interested in scouting new NBA talent, I highly recommend taking the trip.  It is an international event and there are scouts, coaches, players, reporters and everyone is incredibly accessible.  Trust me.  In 2 days I sat  behind Vlade Divac and played craps with Bill Laimbeer.  How random is that?

Lithuanian fan in front of me

Vlade Divac

For about $25 you can get a ticket for the day's events.  Games were held at both the Cox Pavilion and the Thomas & Mack Center.

UNLV retired jerseys

For you Ohioans out there, you might recognize the name Mike Gansey.  He's a hard worker and plays tough.  I had to look him up after watching him play, and yes - I might just have a little bit of a crush.  He's super cute!

Mike Gansey

Baron Davis rooting on his LA Clippers

The NBDL Wins

THE WIRK