Maybe Delta wanted me to see the Giants v Vikings game, since they routed me through Detroit

Today Brett Fave ISN'T starting as QB for the Minnesota Vikings.  In fact, after the hit he took in last week's game, I'm pretty sure that he's even playing. 

Tonight's New York Giants v Minnesota Vikings game is being played in Detroit, since the Metrodome's roof collapsed due to the weather in Minneapolis. 

Brett Favre's streak. that began in 1992, ends tonight at 297 consecutive starts.

I was in Detroit this morning.  Normally, I fly direct to Minneapolis.  This morning, the Delta counters were a disaster. and I dealt with the most unhelpful woman at the Sky Priority counter at Reagan National Airport.  I've already complained numerous times to Delta about this experience, and hopefully I'll have a positive outcome to report once Delta reviews the case.  Regardless, I was routed through Detroit.

Once I landed in Detroit, I listened to my voicemail and learned that my customer wouldn't be at work today.  ****  Remind me why I even traveled this morning?!?!  After hearing the voicemail, I contemplated giving away my seat, so I could go to the "impromptu Monday Night Football" game tonight. 

When I was at the Detroit Airport I saw Vikings fans at the airport.  When I landed in Minneapolis, I passed the gate for Detroit and saw even more people in Vikings attire.

Considering how late the flight got me into Minneapolis, and my Delta travel woes ~ I probably should've stayed in Detroit, visited the Detroit Lions' home field (i.e. Ford Field), and watched someone else (i.e. Tavaris Jackson) start as QB.  However, I couldn't get "down" with the cold in Detroit (i.e. or Minneapolis for that matter).  Plus, after just watching the Minneapolis local news report it looks like people lined up early so the free tickets were distributed rather quickly.  Lastly, if I heard it correctly, Sun Country Airlines filled up four charter flights to Detroit today.

Funny.  With all that travel, I didn't see a single New York Giants fan...

****  Pictures of Brett Favre are the ones I took at the NFC Wildcard game, January 2010.



THE WIRK

Metrodome roof collapsed ~ Football fans in Detroit get to see the Giants v Vikings

Tomorrow I have to go to Minneapolis. 

By now, if you care about football at all, you know that the Metrodome roof collapsed due to the 17+ inches of snow that fell over the weekend.  17+ inches of snow and 20-30 degrees below zero is what I'm hearing to expect.  ****  Hopefully temperatures rise and some of that snow melts in the next several hours.

I'm in Minneapolis often, but I've only been to the Metrodome once.  I was there in January 2010 for the NFC Wildcard game.  Ironically, the weather was very mild compared to what the city had this weekend. 

As a building, compared to the other venues I've seen, the Metrodome is struggling.  It's visibly older and doesn't offer that much in terms of amenities to the fans.  Vikings fans are passionate about their team though, so I'm not sure that they care.

Usually, I can get a good look at roof of the Metrodome from my the office and/or my hotel.  You better believe I'll be looking out the window tomorrow! 

Metrodome, for the Cowboys v Vikings ~

NFC Wildcard game, Feb 2010

My friend sent me a video of the Metrodome roof collapse.  UNBELIEVABLE.  Ironically, the video looks like it was shot from near the same spot where I took the picture, that I included above. 



****  I'm not an  HTML expert, but the video is embedded.  If you click in this "blank area" the video will play.  Trust me.  Further, sometimes when I try to embed this video it kills my formatting and removes the text at the bottom so here's my last ditch effort to make this post complete...

It looks like Christmas has come early for football fans in Detroit, since the Minnesota Vikings will host the New York Giants at Ford Field at 7PM Eastern.  It's been reported that free tickets for general admission seats will be given out on a first come, first served basis.  If I was in Detroit, you better believe I'd be at the game!


THE WIRK

NFL Sunday Funday and some Temple of the Dog

As of now, I have 10 points for the week in my against the spread (ATS) pool...  I don't think it'll be enough for first place.  If you're not first, it doesn't matter where you fall in the line-up so, "oh well".

I went out for Sunday Funday and met about 10 of my favorites out to watch the New York Giants v Philadelphia Eagles game.  I'm pretty sure the Eagles won, since my friend (i.e. who was giving me a ride home) wanted to leave before the game ended.

Good times with great friends and as usual, when more people showed up they texted other friends and our group grew.

For you music fans out there, here's a funny exchange... 
Jeff to Amy: Did you get my email about "Temple of the Dog"?
Me (interjecting): Did you send it in 1993?

Who knew Temple of the Dog was touring again?  Not this girl...  Anyway, here's "Hunger Strike" for your listening pleasure.  Yes, I pulled it off of Youtube, just for you.



I'd show you a Indianapolis Colts' highlight (i.e. since it's my favorite team) or a Giants' highlight (i.e. since I watched the game), but let's face it...  Both teams lost, so it doesn't matter.  This Sunday was not a good day for the Mannings (i.e. Eli and Peyton), since both brothers had 3 interceptions. 

There's always "next" week.


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

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...
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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.


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"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