Dr. Naismith: Basketball Inventor - 1939 Interview

     It's pretty amazing how we progress as a people and we've heard countless times that you don't know where you're going unless you know where you come from.  I'm sure the millions, billions of basketball fans around the world aren't all sure where the game they love came from or who was responsible.  Basketball is a pretty young sport given it was created in December 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts.  Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian, created the game as a way to keep the boys busy while they were stuck inside for gym class since the winters were harsh in New England.  I don't think anybody would ever imagine how the game as evolved and ultimately one of the most popular games worldwide.  Wilt, Kareem, Oscar, Jordan, Lebron, Kobe, and countless other world class athletes have brought the game to levels that continue to grow and bring excitement to fans around the world.  College basketball has become a staple in our society, especially around March, and also has a major presence in the Olympics.  Basketball has also transcended the game in many other ways as well.  Michael Jordan broke the mold as he crossed over into athletic apparel endorsement as he and Nike created a legacy in the sneaker and fashion industry.   Everybody wanted to be like Mike and millions of fans, kids, everybody could feel like they could dunk as long as they purchased the sneakers endorsed by Mike and other athletes as well.  

     To put things in perspective, there's been an interview just released by the University of Kansas with Dr. Naismith that he did in 1939 on the radio.  He discussed how he invented the game and some other interesting facts.  He died later on in the same year.  Dr. Naismith ended up working for the University of Kansas and then ended up their Athletic Director as he started their basketball program and we know the pride behind Jayhawk b-ball.  It's definitely worth a listen and it makes you wonder what his thoughts would be seeing the game today and his perspective of what he created....and better yet, imagined if he never invented this great game, then what...enjoy!!

"Hello" Ken Jeong x Rob Riddle

     Fox Sports won with this great parody featuring Rob Riddle and Ken Jeong, two of Hollywoods favorite comedic actors.  If you're a fan of any of the teams in the NFC East this year, you clearly have watched some of the worst professional football ever witnessed.  The Giants, Eagles, Cowboys, and Skins have all showed the rest of the world how not to play, but all the while allowing each of them to have "hope" that they can win the division and still selvedge a season to forget about.  What better way than to make light of the ugly situation by parodying the super popular Adele ballad, "Hello".  The lyrics are great and the vocals from Lindsay Harper make this the only thing worth smiling about when it comes to the NFC Least.  Let's see how the season shapes up, but consider this the 2015 highlight for all 4 teams.

Undercover Ronaldo

     We've seen it done before, but it never gets old.  Hide someone super famous in a disguise, let them roam around in public to see the reaction and it's easy entertainment.  Hard to argue that Ronaldo's face isn't one of the most recognizable on the planet, given the popularity of futbol, him being on one of the globes most popular teams, and the Hollywood looks.  Here's a great spot with him in a Madrid plaza, borderline looking homeless.  He has a small dog with him, asks some girl for her phone number (which I'm sure she regrets blowing by him now), and engages strangers while he shows off tricks with the ball.  Ending is pretty neat as well and the reactions..

"White Iverson" x Post Malone

     Allen Iverson is one of the most dynamic athletes of all time.  I had the pleasure to watch him live for many years and put on performances for the ages.  As he seems to have been back in the public eye the past few years, his persona continues to be as big as it was during his playing days in the early part of the millennium. Fast forward to 2015 and we're coming across music where genres are crossed more than ever or maybe it's just that stereotypes of who can perform what genre is out the window.  In this case, a 19 year old Post Malone sings an ode to his and my favorite athlete, Iverson. In the likes of Spooky Black, PartyNextDoor, The Weeknd, singing, rapping, R&B, the sound is familiar but different.  This video goes hand in hand with the song to showcase the reason why The Answer is one of the best ever.  Familiar highlights of AI crossing Jordan over along with many body contorting layups and shots.  It also gives interest into what Post Malone's music will amount to.

"Heartless" x Kanye West - 808's & Heartbreak

     Early on the Throwback Thursday or your Flashback Friday...but as we cleared the Valentines Day season, no better time to view and listen to "Heartless".  Mr. West's biggest single from his emotional diary of "808's & Heartbreak" album that almost created it's own genre.  The artistic cartoon effect that resembles the 80's, Stay On Me, but the current method was called Optiflavor, which used real life movement and was converted to animation.  More importantly, the video was directed by Hip Hop's Video Moses, Hype Williams, in 2008.  Hype actually paid tribute to Ralph Bashki, as the same animation was used for the video as was Ralph's movie from 1981.   That animation used live action footage and then animators drew over top of the video.  This became one of Kanye's most popular singles and paved a way for a genre that really didn't have a lane previously.  Him and NO I.D were the producers.

Asics Gel Lyte III "Exploration"

     The Asics Gel Lyte III runner seems to be as popular as it ever was when it was originally released in the early 90's.  New color ways and collabs are showing up every weekend, especially in 2015 as they will be celebrating the GLIII's 25th Anniversary.  Here's a general release from last summer in a patriotic, red, white, and light blue blend of suede and mesh.  The insole has a radar, map, type of design, hence I'm guessing the "Exploration" nickname. 3M hits at the back and along the stripes on the sides.  The white midsole has grey speckling as well.

 

More pictures after the break...

Nike Free 4.0 Flyknit

     Nike combined two of their most popular running designs in 2014 when they released the Free 4.0 Flyknit running sneaker.  Nike's one advancement in running footwear includes their Free based soles.  It's meant to provide a very natural and flexible ride based on your foots natural movement.  In the 4.0 version, the hexagonal flex grooves offer a very low to the ground and natural ride.
The very popular Flyknit technology provides numerous benefits in using a one piece polyester yarn upper.  It provides ultralight support and flexibility which really gives a fantastic, customized fit.  It also allows for some great, unique color combinations as Nike continues to roll out numerous colors into the new year.  This one was a must have in the black, volt, and bright crimson color way.
     Definitely try a pair on next time you're in the mall, see if you like the sock-like feel, great for the gym or everyday wear.

More pictures after the break