EAGLES VS GIANTS 10/19/2003 "WESTBROOK'S RETURN"

October 19, 2003 - Meadowlands, New Jersey 

     When it's the end of the winter and spring is around the corner,  you realize it's a long time before legitimate football is back, you start to look in the past.  When your team hasn't been to the playoffs in a few years, you look even farther.  I happen to stumble on this little gem against our bitter rival the Giants.  I was fortunate enough to be at this game live and I sat in the first row on the second level on the near end zone.  I was with the wonderful Ernst family, wearing our Eagles jerseys, that game was probably one of the worst games I've seen ever, as the 10-7 score before the return noted.  Might have almost dozed off a couple times, but then a little bit of Westbrook magic happened.  Brian was known to be very quick and had skills to make players miss.  We sat in the end zone that the Giants were kicking to so we got to see a great angle of Brian taking the punt.  He stopped, started, stopped and then boom...turbo!  Even that last shoulder tap where we thought his momentum would carry him out of bounds made for super high drama, but yes, our beloved Westbrook took it to the house and essentially won us the game on which would have otherwise been an effort in futility.  Of course, the home crowd was absolutely shocked and disgusted, didn't know what else to do except tell us to get the bleep out of there and we caught countless middle fingers.  We didn't care, our smiles and shock on the other side of the victory carried us to the parking lot for more chili and beer.  The one thing we did know was that we just witnessed a historic play and one that we could talk about forever.  So here's a little love for the Birds as we look to move to a new chapter later on this year........................E-A-G-L-E-S

This is great, I wrote everything above about a year ago, March of 2017.  What a difference a year makes, Super Bowl Champs!  I also enjoy how Cris Collingsworth and Troy Aikman are beside themselves that they kicked the ball to Westbrook.  HOF Play by Play announcer Dick Stockton is amazing on the call as well, it's fantastic!

SHOCK TOP x TJ MILLER SUPER BOWL COMMERCIAL

     Nothing like a good ode fashion joke cracking session, one on one.  TJ Miller, from HBO's Silicon Valley, has it out with the Shock Top bar tap handle.  This video is the extended version of the commercial that was aired on this years Super Bowl.

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.

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...

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG "Shadow"

It's amazing to see where the sneaker culture is today, especially if you're on the older side of it and thinking of how it was then, where it wasn't considered anything other than you buying the sneaks of the couple star athletes you saw on TV.  Nike saw the appeal in the NCAA champ and made their move.  The Air Jordan 1 started it all with a young, spry kid from North Carolina by the name of Michael Jordan.  Rest is history and in that storied history, this color way of the first Jordan 1 was an original color that was released in 1985.  The Nike Air on the tongue pays homage to the original as this retro matches it, along with retro box. (This color retroed in 2009 but with the Jumpman logo).  The Shadow Grey color way couldn't be simpler as black, white, and soft grey make up the leathered silhouette.  This retro release comes with a few sets of laces as well to mix it up a bit.  The Jordan 1 OG made a major presence in 2013 as Nike released most of the original retro's and it says a lot to see this sneaker as relevant now than it was thirty years ago.

World Cup 2014 Is Here

     The globes largest sporting event is upon us and I have to say this is as popular as I've ever seen it in the States.  That's including us hosting the event in 1994 where I was lucky to attend two World Cup matches.  With technology reaching all parts of the world and more accessible in this country, the true
melting pot can be felt.  You don't have to look far in your ancestry to find some roots in some country that it's in the tournament.  At this point, I don't even care if you're a poseur pretending to care just to have a reason to party during the week, the World Cup is simply the best.  With Brazil being the host country and usually fielding the odds on favorite, this has all the makings of a world wide party with all eyes glued on the TVs, tablets, and smart phones.  Keep the fridge stocked for when you're watching at home and definitely go to your local watering holes, city pubs, Little Italy's, Chinatowns, and every  other cultural centric neighborhood and really get a taste for the game.  Remember, it's only every four years so take advantage and wear your favorite teams colors with pride!  Check out these great commercials that pretty much will want you to lace up your boots, put your kit on, and hit the pitch yourself.

I Believe....

     Getting ever closer to the biggest sporting event on the globe, we've been seeing the marketing build up on all media outlets.  As we've seen in the past, the commercials have been very creative in getting people excited to spend a month watching the best sport on the planet, played by the best athletes.
The rainbow of colors of all the participatory nations' fans will be on full display every where you ago. From the sports bars in your town to the local neighborhoods of your favorite cities, everybody will have World Cup fever.  Start planning your excuses to call out of work and get in front of the big screen because you're not going to want to miss any of it.
      ESPN has the ball rolling with this commercial to get all the US Soccer fans jazzed up.  It's going to be a very interesting World Cup for the US Men's Team as we've qualified for every Cup since 1990, but haven't advanced past the Quarterfinals.  For the US to make a big step in the eyes of football fans and to get to another level of respect, I think the USMNT needs a final four appearance.  It's time....between the advancement of MLS and producing solid players to the experience of playing in some of Europe's best leagues, we need to BELIEVE that we belong with the best of the world and it's our chance to prove it.

"You're The Real MVP" x Kevin Durant

     In this modern era of hundreds of channels, social media, and camera phones, the lines separating celebrities and the rest of the world is almost non-existent.  These platforms make normal people into reality stars and our hero's touchable.  Even though these outlets are available, rarely do you see an athlete at the top of their field shows moments of sincerity as much as Kevin Durant did receiving the NBA MVP award for this past season.  It's the best individual honor you can receive in a team sport where names like Jordan, Bird, Magic have become household names because of this.

     KD has won the scoring title many times, he's been an Olympian, he's brought his team to the NBA Finals and is a competitor of the highest level.  So to see someone of his stature take the time and sincere effort in recognizing the people that have helped him achieve his success, was a moment I think everyone should see, recognize, and appreciate.  The message of love, support, encouragement, hope, and never giving up is something we can incorporate into our lives every single day.  KD is living proof that if you keep a environment of positivity, love, and hard work, anything is truly possible.
     It's also very fitting that he received this award leading up to Mother's Day weekend as he clearly recognized the leadership, courage, strength and daily sacrifice that his mother went through to give him a chance....a chance at something much better than their daily struggle.  I think most of us can relate how our mothers played such an important role in who we all are today and in turn, how we go out in the world and affect others.
     Take the time and watch all 20 minutes plus of the speech, you will not regret it and I'm sure you'll find yourself watching it at times in the future when you need a little inspiration.  Watch it with your family, watch it with your mother, watch it with your kids.  This is something special and I think you would agree and you might want to keep a couple tissues on standby....Just sayin..

Go KD, Go Dasher, Go Breezy...

     It wouldn't be Christmas without the NBA putting on a showcase of it's best players throughout the day as we open gifts and eat more food.  As they did last year, the NBA rolls out their Christmas commercial in promotion of their holiday jerseys as your leagues finest will rock the solid color tee's.
D. Rose, Durantula, Steph Curry, Nash, Harden, and the oop to the King are featured in the promo.
As much as these commercials feel like they'll really just shooting hoops making it sound like a real song, the holidays aren't the holidays without a little make believe...regardless I still get a kick out of it.

Asics Gel-Lyte III "Urban Camo"

     The Gel-Lyte III first caught my eye because my neighbors were cross country runners and always had different kinds of sneaks around other than Nikes or Adidas.  First thing I noticed, and yes, this is when they originally came out in the 90's, was the split-tongue right down the middle.  Not only did it make it look pretty sleek, especially back then, but it also made them super comfortable.  Right away, they became one of my all time favorites.  Fast forward to 2013 and it seems like there's a new boutique collaboration release every weekend for the Gel-Lyte III model.  Every color you can think of and different materials have been showcased from designers such as Ronnie Fieg to Asics themselves coming out with more colorways then they ever have.
     The first pictures of the "Urban Camo" colorway was released very early this year and after hitting  Europe first, finally found it's way stateside only a couple months ago.  The high interest wasn't shocking as the model has sold out every time a link goes up, but a little surprising considering it was a general release.  Asics did pick a winner with grey suede, black color blocking and light blue highlights, as it gives way to the camouflaged insole.  They also throw some bonus alternative color laces as well.  Subtle 3M hits on the front and back of the sneaker as well.  This model has withstood the test of time and is definitely thriving.

Nike Flyknit Trainer + Volt/Black

     A year ago the Olympics graced London and of course Nike paved the way by using the global showcase to introduce new products.  One of them being their Nike Flyknit technology.  A one piece seamless upper that is knit from materials that make it extremely light and form fitting.  What better way for everyone to see them by pretty much every US medal winner wearing the Flyknit Trainer on the podium and being associated with greatness.  Numerous athletes were seen wearing the bright colored kicks throughout London, especially the US Men's Basketball team along with the US Swim team and phenom Michael Phelps.
They were released last summer and this color way sold out immediately and prices on the secondary market soared.  Not only did everyone want what their idols were wearing, but the uber popular Volt color way with the black blocking on the interior, and the gradient volt to black upper, made them the ultimate attention getter.  Not to mention they actually were super comfortable and super light, the reasons continued to pile up to make this must own footwear.  Patience is a virtue as I was lucky to get them from Nike directly this past spring for retail and they have become one of my all time favorites.  Take a look for yourself and if Volt isn't your thing, they have the Trainers along with other Flyknit models in any color you can think of.

Oregon Football Performance Center

Football is back……and Chip Kelly might want to reconsider leaving the Ducks  to come to the Eagles after you see the spread that his former employer has on campus. A reported $68 million dollar renovation has the University of Oregon ducks facilities looking like the Star Trek Enterprise.  Just kidding Chip!  I'm definitely excited to see what he has in store for the Philadelphia Eagles with his fast paced offense and getting back to running the ball.  Something we never did with Andy.  I digress, back to the stadium facilities.  Watching the video will definitely have you rethinking what college is like for today's student athletes and money that's involved in the whole process. Oregon has recently taken marketing themselves to the next level with the multiple eye-catching uniforms,  helmets, their forest inspired basketball court, home of Tracktown US, and countless Nike and Jordan Oregon sneakers. Given that one of their most famous alumni, Phil Knight, heads the worlds biggest athletic brand, it's no secret he's donated substantial amounts to the school which allows it to offer facilities such as these…enjoy the tour!

Some of the amenities include:

The lobby has 64 55-inch televisions that can combine to project a single image.

The floor of the weight room is Brazilian hardwood.

There are custom foosball tables where one team is Oregon and the other team has 11 players, with each player representing a different Pac-12 team.

The players' lounge has six gaming stations.

There's a skybridge with an art installation of ducks. Each duck has the name of an Oregon player drafted by the NFL.

A "war room" with six 80-inch TVs.

A two-story meeting room with a window that overlooks Autzen Stadium.

A hydrotherapy tub in the coaches' locker room.

TVs are embedded in the mirrors of the coaches locker room.

A cafeteria with the words "EAT YOUR ENEMIES" in neon lights

Building consists of 145,000 square feet and 6 floors, 2 auditoriums

Photo Gallery: Football Performance Center - GoDucks.com - The University of Oregon Official Athletics Web Site

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

New Balance ML574 "Surf Pack"

     Here's a look at the Navy blue color way of New Balance's ML574 "Retro Surf" Pack.  With a homage to the beach, they combine a bunch of great materials all associated with surfing.  Nylon with metal eyelets to represent board shorts, a woven hemp heel and tongue, along with a wooden graphic side panel and lace tips.   A suede upper toe box and heal along with contrast stitching give it extra detail.  Last but not least the Hawaiian floral insole and footbed compliment this summer sneaker perfectly.   They also have a yellow and green color way.

 More pics below

New Balance 420 x Herschel Supply Co.

     This late winter collaboration makes for a clean trainer with unique hints at the co-branding between travel goods' maker Herschel Supply and New Balance.  The low profile 420 model was revived as the silhouette of choice and in red, black, and navy with tan leather on the heel and logo.  Herschel's famous paisley lines the foot liner and insole and has badging at the bottom lace tab.  "Enjoy your Day" on the tongue and insole sums up the sneaker, along with two sets of extra laces, navy blue and red.

More pics below