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

Redskins are getting rolled by the Eagles on MNF

I'm watching the Philadelphia Eagles v Washington Redskins game and can't believe my eyes.  On a day when I heard that the Washington Redskins gave Donovan McNabb a 5 year/$78 million dollar deal, the Redskins are getting rolled. WOW.  It's 50something to basically nothing right now (i.e. 59-28) with just under 6 minutes left in the 4th quarter, and I'm looking out the window at the stars trying to understand how and why McNabb (i.e. who's lack of cardio got him pulled at the end of a game <---  Seriously?!?!  Am I really supposed to believe that?) earned such a sweet deal.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not hating.  I'm for everyone getting as much money as they can, for whatever it is they do.  But wow...  This performance on MNF is abysmal, and almost makes me want to change the channel.  That's right, "almost".  I want to see if the Eagles score 70+ tonight.

I was at the first meeting of the teams at Lincoln Financial Field, and I wouldn't have predicted this outcome for tonight.  Oh well.  One thing is for sure, I feel bad for the folks at FedEx Field, who are sitting in the rain...


THE WIRK

Redskins v Eagles ~ McNabb's homecoming, Vick leaves the game

On Sunday, I went and checked off another stadium in my quest to hit them all.  I finally decided to hit Lincoln Financial Field to watch the homecoming of Donovan McNabb.  The Washington Redskins were in Philly to take on the Philadelphia Eagles and I wanted to also check out Michael Vick.

It hit me that it was homecoming weekend when I was at dinner with my friend Erika on Saturday night.  She'd missed my birthday and wanted to make it up to me, and I was craving Mongolian beef so off to P.F. Changs we went.  At the restaurant we were surrounded by kids that were dressed up to the nines and it hit me, that it must be "Homecoming" season.  Well, how appropriate that I'd chosen to go to Philly to see the Redskins v Eagles match-up!

I hauled my lifeless body out of bed and drove to Philly.  It's an easy drive (i.e. about 2 hours) and by about 3PM (i.e. after paying $25) I was parked in a lot staring at Citizens Bank Park.  Immediately I was reminded that I needed to check and see what the National League Division Series match-up would be when I got home.  I've been hoping for a Cincinnati Reds v Philadelphia Phillies match-up so I can see the Reds easily.  Although, schedule permitting I do intend to go to Cincinnati and see the Reds at home...  Fingers crossed.

Back to football.

Upon entering Lincoln Financial Field, I noticed that the band Kristen and the Noise was playing.  Wow.  Feels like I never left the DC/MD/VA area...  I noticed that there were ladies selling hats and ties to benefit breast cancer awareness.  Alright, I wasn't planning on buying an Eagles hat.  I'll admit it right now, I'm not an Eagles fan and I dreaded going to the Linc because of the horror stories I've heard about Eagles fans.  However, breast cancer has affected my family and what's $25?  Wearing my new hat, I climbed the steps to the 100 level concourse and sent texts to my friends in the stadium.  After that I was starving and went straight to the concession stand and spent $13.50 on a Philly cheesesteak and a large diet-Pepsi.  When in Rome...

Before the game started, I was curious (i.e. along with everyone else in the free world) as to how Eagles fans would react to McNabb's return.  As he was introduced and ran onto the field, people stood, cheered, and clapped for McNabb.  There were some boos, but the cheers were louder.  Eagles fans were respectful towards him, and I was inpressed by their class.

I used to live in Atlanta and at that time I have to admit, I became a bit of  a Michael Vick fan.  He made football exciting and was fun to watch.  So, I thought what better game to watch since he had been playing touch since the season began.  Well, in that sense, I'd be disappointed. I ended up watching for Kevin Kolb than I intended to since Vick left the game, sometime during the 2nd Quarter...

Kevin Kolb...  Yeah, I really didn't care.

Kolb in the game

As the game went on, it seems like penalty after penalty was being called against the Eagles.  Needless to say the Eagles' fans around me were getting progressively annoyed.  With every false start, holding, and even horse collar call, the man behind me would yell towards the field, "Your mom holds/false starts/horse collars."  Ahh yes.  That's more of what I expected. 

McNabb working

LeSean McCoy leaves the field

Here's one for you, as McCoy got up and walked off the field, the loud mouth behind me said, "Hey, McCoy.  Did Andy Reid promise you 2 vicodin if you got up?!?!"  WOW.  I have to admit.  That was funny!

Eagles offense, so close yet so far away

There were some older ladies around me also and they were hostile when it came to rooting on the  Eagles defense (i.e. or lack there of), but this is football so I wasn't too surprised.  Aside from that douche behind me, the majority of fans were just fine.  Then agan, I did see at least 4 other occasions where someone was about to get punched.  Security seemed to be everywhere to handle and attempt to diffuse the situations "quickly".

It was drizzling during the game, and I was wearing my mini-skirt and Uggs.  Not the best choice, I've ever made, but I survived.  With about 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter I knew the Washington Redskins were going to win and I wanted to beat traffic so I bee-lined for the parking lot.  I'll admit, I also wanted to check out Harrah's in Chester on the way home.

I just need to see the Sixers (i.e. Philadelphia 76ers) play at home, and I can cross the city off of my list!  Time to check the schedule.

If you are an Eagles fan, and you want to help raise awareness for breast cancer here's a shirt for you.  It's a great cause.

THE WIRK

I'm ready for some regular season NFL action NOW!!!!

So I'm in Minneapolis and watching the Twins game from my room.  Actually, I really don't care about this game.  I'm sure it's a good one and I enjoy watching the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins, but I feel like I've seen this match-up numerous times.  In fact, if I took the time to add up the posts, I'd be willing to bet that I've seen this match-up at least two times already.  Regardless, if there are fireworks, I'll look out the window...  The fans have been quiet, so I've been planning the next steps for this blog and my impending time off (i.e.  VACATION).  ****  Update:  Someone just hit a home run! There are fireworks!  ****  Another Update:  More fireworks!  Twins defeat the White Sox in extra innings, 7-6.

Since Brett Favre boarded a plane to come up North (i.e. coincidentally to Minneapolis, where I am) I've decided that I too should work on finding my "blog voice" again and start strategizing my own football schedule.  There are still some great stadiums that I need to hit before I die, so why not use my vacation to tackle Week 1 as thoroughly as only THE WIRK can?!?!

Currently looking at the following:
September 9, 2010 - New Orleans Saints home opener v the Minnesota Vikings
September 12, 2010 - Philadelphia Eagles home opener v the Green Bay Packers
September 13, 2010 - New York Jets home opener v the Baltimore Ravens

The schedule is aggressive, just like me, and hopefully (i.e. with a little help from my friends) things will all fall into place.  If it all works out, I can knock off three new venues easily. 

In addition, I have a some trips, concerts, comedy shows, and some other stuff coming up so dont' worry - this blog should pick up soon!  I don't like to telegraph all my plays on here for obvious reasons - but good things are on the way.


THE WIRK

Eagles have agreed to trade Donovan McNabb to the Redskins

Sit down and have some Chunky soup.  It appears that the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to trade Donovan McNabb to the Redskins.  Maybe I should've made hitting the Linc (i.e. Lincoln Financial) a priority.  With McNabb gone, and Kevin Kolb taking the reigns, I'm not sure there's any urgency or that I care too much anymore to make the trip to Philly.  Further, although I live in the area, I still can't understand the moves of Dan Snyder and the Redskins.  At a minimum, I'm fortunate to have a professional football team in the area so I can go and scout the visiting teams.

I am a Colts fan.  GO COLTS!


THE WIRK

I love this time of year... How 'bout dem Cowboys?!?!

If you ask the average person, they'd tell you football started 16 or so weeks ago. If you ask me, I'd tell you that football season started last Saturday... Athletes practice for the big game... I also prepare, even though I'll never take a snap or catch a pass of my own... On Monday night, I was at trivia watching the ESPN crawl... I noticed that the Eagles were playing the Cowboys on Saturday night. The wheels in my head start turning... I want to go to Dallas. Some people have a goal to visit all the MLB ballparks... I dream bigger. It's been a goal of mine to go to a sporting event at every professional venue for baseball, basketball, and football. I will go to hockey games at different sites if the opportunity presents itself, but I'm not about to add it to the list, just yet... After my visit to the new Cowboys stadium, I've been to 57 professional sporting venues. 57. I should've kept a tally on how much this goal has cost me, but I think it'd make me throw up, and I can't imagine the reaction from family and friends so the numbers will not be calculated.

I go to bed on Monday night and tell myself I need to look at flights early on Tuesday. Tuesday morning I wake up and hit Orbitz. To my surprise it appears that USAir wants me to go to Dallas also... They're offering Dallas as one of their last-minute e-saver destinations. For under $220, I can book a round trip ticket and the flight times are PERFECT for an overnight trip to Dallas. Next thing to look at is, game tickets... Must find out whether game tickets are cost-prohibitive or doable... A quick look at some ticket resale sites, tells me that I can commit to a trip to Dallas and go to the game. AWESOME. I think about things a little bit more. I wonder if I can get a Cowboys fan to come with me to Dallas and go to the game.

I jump on facebook and look for my friend, Pat. He's a diehard Cowboys fan, and I bet I can convince him to make the trip. Sure enough he's online. I tell him about the flight prices. He looks for himself. I tell him we can get tickets on stubhub. He says he's never used it. I tell him I'll take care of it, if he just says "YES". He books his flight. We're half way to Dallas in my head! Woohoo. Now for game tickets. Like I said, Pat is a diehard Cowboys fan and I'm a ticket snob. We both go to stubhub and scan for tickets. He's kind enough to offer to sit in the endzone. (For those that don't know, end zone seats are generally cheaper than sideline). I scowl audibly. I'm not flying to Dallas to sit in the endzone. We get home team sideline tickets, on the 20, 13 rows up. I'm BEYOND thrilled. It's a done deal. We're going to Dallas.

Saturday early afternoon I swoop and pick Pat up in the cab and off to the airport we go. Arrive in Dallas, and we get picked up by my cousin's family. Off to lunch for some Texas BBQ. My cousin gets to know Pat. I think he thinks we're a couple. Who cares. I'm not going to correct him. It's not worth it, and I'm sure his kids won't remember Pat when they're older, so he won't have to respond to inquiries about where's, "Uncle Pat". Lol. I'd be willing to bet $10 though, that I get asked about Pat at my cousin's wedding in March ~ but I digress...

My cousin drops Pat and I off at the stadium. When we walked in, we were handed a rally towel. I'm a sucker for free stuff. We cruise the concourse and get a feel for the stadium. Wow. This stadium is like no other. Pat described it as a convention center. That's actually not a bad analogy...

We hit the pro-shop, because we need to get Cowboys gear. Purchasing a home team hat is a compulsory activity when I hit a new venue. While looking at all the Cowboys gear (and singing along to De La Soul's Me, Myself, and I, which is booming through the speakers) I pick my hat and head for the check out line. In line I see a 4 pack of bobbleheads for $20 ~ best souvenir ever because I don't have to buy them a la carte. 

After a quick walk around the concourse, it's off to the seats we go... Eyes wide open I stare at all the activity around me. Cheerleaders, dancers, fire, players, lights, video, etc. are everywhere. Lights, camera, and so much action. They could easily name this stadium "Attention Deficit Arena". I have no idea where I should be looking, but I know I can't take my eyes off the screen over head... The monster screen goes from the 20 to the 20, and the picture is so vivid!

Game On. Cowboys win the coin toss. Cowboys already win in my book. After a few plays it looks like it's going to be a close game. I didn't come to Dallas to get stressed out. After a while, the Eagles (or whoever those people were in green) start to crumble and it begins to look like a barn burner! The group of 4 old guys in front of me are the happiest little boys in the world! Pat has died and gone to heaven. Everyone is smiling from ear to ear and slapping each other high-five after every great play. I'm not sure if it's the South, the fact that they're indoors, or that the Cowboys were winning ~ but all those people were very happy. The new Cowboys stadium felt like Disney World.

I'm taking it all in and surveying the people around me. I look 2 rows ahead of me and notice someone. I know basketball. I know the physique of a basketball player and I'd be willing to bet I know the guy I'm staring at. I look at his profile a little harder and then he sits down. I look at the back of his neck. I see the word "Franchise". I guarantee there may only be a handful of people that know who he is and I'm in that handful. I put it together. It's Steve Francis. It makes sense since he played in Houston and who else would have that on the back of his neck. I think to tap him and ask him if he has Bobby Sura's number in his phone. I'd be willing to bet he does. It's not the time or place. I'd have to talk over a row of people and if I need to find Bob, it's not that difficult for me to find my old friend. Steve and I high-five several times during the game... I'd be willing to bet, even he'd be surprised I figured out who he was!

Do you know who this is? I do! I do!!! :-P

Cowboys blew out the Eagles. We get a drink at a stadium bar after the game, and the stadium is still bustling. Very cool! We watch the postgame and I just people watch. People are throwing footballs on the concourse and having a great time.

By the way, Ted Nugent did the National Anthem. I guess that makes sense because we're in Texas.

One thing is for sure ~ they were dead on, when they said "Don't mess with Texas".

After the game, Pat and I head to Sherlock's for a drinks... Already the gears in my head are turning... I see a guy in Colts gear and I have to tell him I'm a Colts fan. He's visibly confused and tries to take my Cowboys hat off of my head. I stop him because my hair is crazy under there. He tell me if I'm a Colts fan, I need to "be proud". Huh!?!?!? I think to myself, I'll show you proud and immediately try to plan my trip to Indianapolis...

Who's the Colts fan now, guy?!?!? :-P

THE WIRK