Greetings From Atlanta

Howdy folks, welcome to Hotlanta -- or not-as-hot-as-anticipated-lanta because it is somewhat cool here at our downtown headquarters. There have been Notre Dame fans everywhere -- from the flight from Midway that I was on to the sign held by a Notre Dame fan in the airport saying "I'm Looking For Irish Fans."

There hasn't been much time to go around the city yet, so I can't give an accurate account of people's thoughts here, but that'll come tomorrow afternoon.

If you haven't seen it, check out the cover story for our tab on the backstory surrounding Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/sports/colleges/15416189.htm

Also, senior defensive end Victor Abiamiri was awarded the Fanning Scholarship, a scholarship given for excellence in communication skills and personal characteristics. Abiaimiri received a $3,500 credit for tuition -- not thinking Abiamiri is going to need it -- and a pewter plate.

Here were some funny/odd things we did see, though:

• Talk about a bizarre sighting: former Indiana coach Mike Davis and his new team, UAB, going through baggage claim at Hartsfield (Atlanta's airport). They were most likely coming back from an overseas playing tour.
• Watch out for crazy baggage claims. While waiting for our baggage, the carousel was so filled on both AirTran baggage claims officials had to stop bags from coming down. The problem -- AirTran mixed up the carousels, so every passenger was standing at the opposite carousel from where they were supposed to be.
• At the Marriott Marquis -- not our headquarters -- there is some sort of Science Fiction convention going on this weekend. Hmmm, jocks and nerds together again? Hopefully we've all matured since high school.

Also, I know we promised an Atlanta travel guide. Sorry it's so late but hopefully you can catch some of these things tonight, Saturday or Sunday:

• Eat at The Varsity. It's right by the stadium at Georgia Tech and serves excellent hot dogs.
• Check out the Coke Museum, but don't drink multiple types of Coke. You'll thank me later. Don't believe me? Try it. Let me know what happens. Stay away from the one with ginger in it, too.
• Go out in Buckhead. It's the best place for nightlife in Atlanta.
• Shop and try to stargaze at Lenox Square/Phipps Plaza. It's a top-end mall where celebs can sometimes sneak in-and-out without being noticed.
• Oh yeah, when you're flying home -- leave in plenty of time because Hartsfield is one of the nation's busiest airports.

Talk with you tomorrow folks. One day till game time. We'll be on here during the game so if there is anything you're interested in then, fire an e-mail to mrothstein@jg.net or leave a comment below.

-By Michael Rothstein of The Journal Gazette

Comments

[Sam Besase]

Tough opener. DC Tenuta is very good against good teams. ND is trying to live down 617 but what about GT trying to live down 38-10 to Utah?

IR1SH 30 - GT 26

Going to local sports bar in Houston tonight where ND Alumni hang.

Will be at the next two games in SB.

Sam
Katy, Texas