Swine Flu Cancels Tijuana Potros' Baseball Season

The swine flu has claimed another economic casuality, this time in the form of the Tijuana Potros, who were scheduled to begin their first season in the Golden Baseball League.

The Potros' games -- which apparently represented 10% of the GBL's total schedule -- will force the GBL to readjust their schedule, and the Potros have stated that they intend to play in another year, but don't believe the 2009 season to be economically viable.

"The H1N1 virus health risk and the necessary government response and actions have wreaked havoc with the economy and businesses small and large throughout the country," said Tijuana Potros President Jose Manuel Pena. "It is not possible to operate with this uncertainty that keeps sponsors from committing, fans from buying tickets, and the stadium unavailable to host public events."

Now, not to make light of swine flu (EVER!) but, really? Couldn't they just rent out a baseball park in Arizona to play the games? Or have the league schedule the first half of their season on the road while we wait for this thing to go all SARS-y on us? I mean, that would guarantee at least some revenue without dogging the rest of the league over. And the people of Tijuana would get their baseball. Of course, people might not be so gung-ho to play road games, but worst case: the Potros could parlay multiple forfeits into postseason home-field advantage and a championship in their first year.

Via Rovell's Twitter

FareFinder: Thursday, April 2

Time sensitive special from JetBlue: $14 flights from San Fran to JFK or Long Beach. Today only, so act quick. If you miss that deal, then check out their Spring Sale, which also ends today.

InterContinental Chicago offering a baseball lover's special that includes accommodations, rooftop seating across from Wrigley Field and an open bar for $249 per night, per couple. That and other specials available online.

Southwest Airlines redesigns its Special Offers page. And by the way, it has really good specials through Monday.

Luxe Hotel Sunset Boulevard in L.A. offering a "Doggy & Me" package that includes accommodations in a Junior Executive Suite on the Spa Level, in-room massage for guest and their four-legged loved one, dog treats specially created by OnSunset restaurant’s Executive Chef and more for $575 a night.

Dhani Jones Premieres on the Travel Channel Tonight

As some of you may know, I'm a bit of a sports nut. Sports, travel and reality television, to a certain degree, are three of my favorite things. 

So imagine my surprise (and excitement) when I found out that Dhani Jones (linebacker for the Bengals -- sports) was appearing on the Travel Channel (self-explanatory) for his new show (again) "Dhani Tackles the Globe" a show that premieres tonight.

The premise is this: Dhani travels around the world, competing in new and different sports.

He learned about rugby in England; the martial art Muay Thai in Thailand; hurling in Ireland; dragon boat racing in Singapore; Schwingen (wrestling) in Switzerland; pelota in Spain; sailing in New Zealand; and surf lifeguard competitions in Australia.

Part reality TV, part travel show, each episode chronicles his weeklong attempt to master a new sport, interspersed with sightseeing trips and forays into the local culture.

"It allows the entree of, 'I'm an athlete, you're an athlete, we both compete. Let's meet each other on those terms,"' Jones said in a telephone interview from Ohio.

It also allows us to see more reality television! WOO. No, seriously -- if there was one more reality television show that you should add to your "to watch" list ... Dhani Jones bouncing around the globe, swimming with sharks (kind of) and dragon boat racing(!) is definitely the play to make; by all accounts it's going to be one of the best new shows that the underrated Travel Channel drops. Oh, also, you can follow him on Twitter for more info.

FareFinder: Tuesday, March 3

Dreams Resorts is offering two great deals: 15%-50% savings and $200 resort credit when you book by March 31, plus a "Kids Stay, Play and Eat Free" deal on select dates.

Luxury property Post Hotel Weggis is offering the "Winter Dreams at POHO Package" that includes two nights, meals, and other great extras for around $1,000.

NYC & Company extends winter deals for Restaurant Week, Deal-O-Matic, The Signature Collection Third Night and more.

College basketball fans can win a free Caribbean vacation at Nisbet Plantation by choosing the team they think will be this year's Cinderella in the NCAA Tournament.

Looking for something for the family? Check out the new Family Getaways section for trip ideas, insightful stories and travel deals.

FareFinder: Thursday, January 8

Since the BCS is set to crown a college football "champion", FareFinder is offering up some sports packages that you should check out for 2009:

Green Jacket packages: Premier Sports Travel has plenty of packages, but their trips for The Masters in April are great. Starting at $2,725, you can get nearby accommodations, shuttle service to Augusta National and tickets. Just in time to see Tiger play again.

NCAA Tourney: Tickets for the first and second round games in places like Greensboro, NC, Minneapolis, MN and Miami, FL are still available for under $250 for six games. Sweet 16 and Elite Eight tickets for Glendale, AZ (West Regional) and Indianapolis, IN (Midwest Regional) can be had for as little as $90 for three games.

Scottish golf during The Open: FareFinder likes golf. But here's a truly great travel deal. PerryGolf, HQ'd in Scotland, offers an 8-night chartered cruise around the coastline of Scotland this July. During the cruise, you'll play some of the greatest courses in the world, all leading up to attending the final round of the 2009 British Open at Turnberry. Non-golfers get $1,100 off.

Run for the Roses: Mint Juleps, big hats and Millionaire's Row. The Kentucky Derby is big-time entertainment. Derby Experiences, the official travel package and hospitality provider to Churchill Downs, offers a variety of packages for the horse-racing fan -- from the basic to the absolutely luxurious.