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!!

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..

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

ICE COLD New York

     Nothing better than something that is ice cold on a hot, summer Saturday in Brooklyn.  here, which has their shop, blog, etc.
That's exactly what I found at the Brooklyn Flea Market.  ICE COLD, New York, a newer brand that I recently stumbled upon on Instagram, would be setting up shop that day and offering some of their wears.  I went over there after running in the MLB All Star 5k in Prospect Park and found Mike and the goods.  Very impressed from first glance at the vibrant colors and design.  3M highlights and flocking gives these shirts depth, especially for athletic wear, which they're meant for.  Designed by Michael, along with a full line of socks with 3M spots,  the gear is meant to be used and be seen, especially when getting your evening jog or bike ride.  That's the inspiration behind ICE COLD and you can get the full story and more information from their site
      I picked up the limited edition Brooklyn Flea Exclusive "RUN" shirt.  Each one is hand made and even the packaging is top notch.   It comes in a foil padded envelope with the name across the front.
     If you get a chance, get down there on a Saturday and chop it up with Mike.  Not too many times you can talk to the person responsible for what's in front of you.   I'm looking forward to see what else comes from ICE COLD as you can see the care taken in each detail for a great product.
Ice Cold, New York definitely has their own lane…

www.icecoldny.com

Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder

  Watch the video first (if you haven't already, over 27 million views in a week in a half)….yeah, pretty great concept right?  Pretty amazing when you watch a commercial and don't realize it is one, since it invokes an emotional response.  Especially one that has a human element that everyone can associate with right away and leaving you feeling a little better about yourself.  You might not run out and buy Dove but I don't think you'll forget watching this for a while.
Kudos to @josh_willins  

Nike LunarGlide +3 Shield

     The Lunarlon soles have become my favorite sneakers to wear for cushion and comfortability.  After running about ten to fifteen miles a week in LunarSwifts, I finally replaced them with the LunarGlide +3 Shield edition.  They are the best sneakers I have run in, period.  These trainers are very lightweight while providing great support.  The DynamicFit technology as explained in the video below really responses to your foot strike by providing tremendous cushioning with a spring-like resistance that pushes your foot back as you run.   I've heard multiple people say they feel like they can run farther and longer in these and I agree.

     The Shield pack was released by Nike last fall with a cool grey, 3M reflective colorway with bright orange Lunar bottoms and highlights.  They are water resistance treated and meant to provide better visibility and protection while training outdoors.  The pack included three models of their Lunar runners along with the very popular Nike Free Run +2.  You can find this sneaker in numerous colorways and on sale for a great price at pretty much any athletic and footwear store.  You will not be disappointed in the least!  Let me know what you think.

Cool Grey/Black, Total Orange, Reflective Silver

More pictures below

Coincidence…I Think Not

     The general population have been warned about the dangers of continuing practices of pumping carbon emissions into our planets atmosphere for decades now.  The constant debate of the effects of global warming have gone back and forth between scientists, researchers, governments, politicians and of course, commercial corporations.  As more and more information gets released as to the negative effects of human actions on our environment and climate, it's harder than ever to ignore the real consequences of these actions.  There aren't too many places in the globe that hasn't felt these negative climate impacts directly.  Many communities have experienced record breaking floods, snowfalls, droughts, forest fires, hurricanes, tornadoes in recent years, it begs the question as to WHY this is happening.  At this point, I think we know why, but the bigger question becomes how do we make changes to slow down these effects.  Common sense says that we must pass legislation, increase awareness, and fund further research and development for alternative fuel sources and limit our carbon footprint.
     As I mentioned before, there is a constant debate…and that debate comes in the form of some of the largest companies in the world that have been taking in record-breaking profits based on humans consumptions of fossil fuels.  These fuels emit these dangerous carbon emissions.
The corporate opposition spends gobs of money with lobbyists to discredit and down play the effects of carbon emissions in our environment.  Some companies even try to act as if they're trying to help and want to be a part of the solution rather than be the main cause.  These corporations and lobbyists have a huge hand in influencing legislation and being major road blocks in environmental laws getting passed.  They simply make too much money to allow those profits to be compromised by bills that get passed that could affect their agenda and major sources of profits, which is selling fossil fuels.  If I sell gasoline as a major source of income, why would I support any initiative that promotes alternative fuels, even though it's for the better of the common good?  Because I make too much money and society as it is today, is completely dependent on these fuels so we can live our everyday lives.  It's a dilemma that needs to be addressed and its starts with the general public understanding the information, asking more questions, and forcing our government and corporations to be more socially responsible or else we won't have a viable world to sustain our future.
     What spawned my little rant was this sarcastic video done by Stephen Thomson that was based on a Washington Post editorial by Bill McKibben on connecting the facts from recent extreme weather conditions in the US as well as globally.  You can either be part of the solution, no matter how small the action, or we can continue to ignore the glaring problems at hand until a tornado or flood changes your life forever.  The full editorial article is here and the article discussing the piece and video by Lindsay E. Brown can be found here.


    

Healing Heel Pain

Healing Heel Pain

I was diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis many years ago after a softball injury and anybody that's had it can tell you, it's one of the more painful conditions you can have. There's a piece of tissue that connects your heal and forefoot and keeps you balanced and if you aggravate that tissue, plantars is what you get. It also causes bone spurs. It all equals very discomforting heal pain. Here's a stretch to help out with that.

Summer Grub Is The Best But...

     Fitness, fitness, fitness.....it's something we all need to make a priority, BUT, it's the Summer!!  You want to eat everything right, BBQ's, parties, any day of the week, is good for burgers, dogs, and potato salad.  I think we can all admit it's pretty bad for us, but here are some tips to make it through and also recognize the extra pound culprits.  Here are the summer's most fattening foods, check the link here.

Post World Cup Depression

     So I thought my brother and I were the only ones who had this.  What do you do after a month of no work, getting drunk before noon and listening to Vuvezela's all day....and oh yeah, watch every game of the World Cup?  It's sad to know that the tournament is over and you have to wait another 4 years to witness the globe's best sporting event.  This article is amusing for others who are feeling post World Cup Depression.  At least the Premier League will start in a few weeks and the MLS is in full form.  Not the same, but it will have to do.

Sippin On That Sizzurp...

Jemarcus Russell getting arrested for possession of prescription cough syrup with Codeine has brought the topic into the spotlight. ESPN Outside The Lines has a good video that pretty much explains the whole phenomenon of the illegal usage of this prescription drug. A lot of people aren't that familiar with this but most hip hop fans would tell you that it's been around for quite some time. DJ Screw in Houston, TX was a pioneer but passed away from using the illegal substance. Same with Pimp C from the legendary rap duo UGK who also passed away from the usage of the cough syrup. The usage has still been prominent with songs from 3 6 Mafia's "Sippin on That Sizzurp.." and Lil Wayne constantly references it in his lyrics and has been seen openly drinking it.

Get That Crap Out of the Fridge

     I'm the first one to say mayo makes it better and who can argue against spreadable fat?  Thought so, but we all know that's a one way ticket to heart attack city.  When trying to be healthier and help your body out, dieting, exercising, you want to try and find shortcuts around anything.  If at least, simple tips to try and make it easier to eat healthier.  This article from WebMD gives a great run down of what foods to keep out of your fridge.  Of course, a lot of these items are our favorites, but everything in moderation usually works.....unless you're on this top ten list, ha!

Munchies That Won't Kill Ya

     I love munchies.  Period.  Salty potato chips, brownies with milk, nachos with cheese, ice cream, you name it, it's been digested more times than we can count.  Since they're usually very easy to grab and eat and already ready to go, it makes it easy to over eat these treats and ultimately that leads to extra pounds.  With Memorial Day and the summer coming up in less than a couple months, we want to try and limit the amount of excess donuts we are carrying and get the beach physique going.  "The beach is that way -->"

I saw this article from WebMD and they give a great look at some of the worst munchies and snack foods and then they provide some healthy alternatives so we can still enjoy some grub in between meals.  These snacks will actually benefit you rather than do bodily harm.  Enjoy!

When Does A Big Mac Look Healthy?

     When you compare the burger classic to some of these "burgers" that have crossed the line of gluttony a long time ago.  This is where the pictures do a lot of the talking and your heart does a lot of crying.  ForkParty.com's list of 50 heart stopping burgers can be found here.
     Since we're in the burger mood, also saw this link about a Minnesota specialty called the "Jucy Lucy" and it definitely looks worthy of mention.  Check it out.
~KR, Wormy

Eat Right Through the Drive Thru

     I came across this article on webmd.com and thought it was something very useful that we could all take advantage of.  It has the top 10 healthy fast food options and nutritional break down.  It's no secret that we could always eat better, exercise more, and try to take more care of ourselves, especially as we get older.  The other part of that is that we work and have a hundred of other things going on where it sometimes makes eating right a difficult chore.  Who doesn't want to get the bacon cheeseburger and fries?  It's cheap, tastes great and you can get it a few minutes.  Perfect, right?  SIKE!Quite the opposite, especially if we make that a common routine.  Our clothes get tighter, you don't have the same kind of energy and you know it's just not healthy for you.  Well this article at least gives us some options that we can still try and eat better and quite healthy while on the go and taking advantage of healthier options on fast food menu's.  Who wouldn't want a grilled chicken meal with mashed potatoes and corn every once in while, so take a look and make note of some of the options and give it a try the next time you're running around.  You'll feel much better and appreciate the variety from eating salads everyday.
(Salad, you're mean and not nice, please taste better soon!)

~ KR