I would like to take a minute here to talk briefly about one of my idols growing up, Michael Jackson. I remember being in my living room at night while my parents were asleep, sitting in my pajamas on the floor in front of our stereo - writing down the lyrics to my favorite MJ songs from the Thriller album.
I must have been only 8 or 9 years old when my mom bought that record. I couldn't stop listening to it. I remember watching him on TV and wanting so badly to be able to dance like him. I had the glove, the socks, and the jacket... all I needed were the moves. I thought I was his #1 fan at the time. I had no idea how many other number one fans he had.
A talent like Michael's is one that will never come around again. He was truly one of a kind and inspired millions around the world. I don't think there is a person alive over 4 years old that doesn't know at least one Michael Jackson song. His music is played in every corner of the world. They don't speak English in all the places they play his songs, but they know his lyrics by heart.
I cannot express the grief I felt hearing the news of his passing. I was truly shocked and really couldn't believe it... I still can't. Today I spent the better part of the day listening to song after song and reminiscing of the things I was doing when I first heard them. I was teary. There has been many great people that have passed in my time here, but this loss has to be one of the toughest to swallow.
Everyone that truly knew Michael speaks of his boyish qualities and his true love for people and want to make the world a better place. I feel really bad for some of the troubles hes had in his life and the cost hes had to pay for fame. No matter what anyone has to say about him, there is no denying that he has changed the music world forever. The man was simply a musical genius!
I want to thank Michael for all the years of entertainment he gave to us all, and to give my condolences to his kids and his family. There will never be another one like you Mike, may you rest in peace.
Here is my favorite MJ song of all time, Billie Jean. Enjoy :)
As promised last week, I bring to your immediate attention Nike+. For those of you that already run with Nike+ and have a pretty good feel for it, you probably wont get anything new from this post. I geared this article toward those of you that don't know what Nike+ is, and for those that have heard... but have never tried.
I'll start with what you will need to get started running with Nike+. Most of you probably already have the costliest component already, an iPod. You can use the iPod Nano or the iPod Touch. Next, you'll need a Nike+ sensor for your shoes, and a receiver for your iPod (iPod Touch Gen 2 has the receiver built-in).
You can get a pair of Nike+ shoe's which have a small compartment in the sole to put the sensor in or you can buy a holder for the sensor that straps to any other shoe's laces. That's all you need!
Once you have your gear ready, you create a free account at Nike+. Fill in your user info and browse the site to become familiar with it's interface. I actually did this before I bought all the gear, just to see what features I was going to have at my disposal.
The site has a bit of a learning curve, so it may take an hour or so to find everything that the site has to offer. You can save yourself a lot of time by going to the support section, clicking on tutorials, and watching the videos they have put together. The videos are short, informative, and very well made.
OK so... you have your gear, you set up your account, you read the manual, you checked out the tutorials, and you're ready to go!
To keep this article from turning into a bible, I will not go into all the steps you need to take such as: calibrating, selecting songs, and choosing a workout. I'll just say - it is extremely simple, and well documented (check the manual). We'll focus more on the features and what makes the system so great!
What music are you going to run to? You need tunes right... You can listen to any music you have in your library, playlist's too. You can also go to iTunes and buy Nike+ Workouts. These are actually pretty cool! I got the Lance Armstrong: Intervals Mix and use it all the time. The cool thing about this is: you run to a really cool playlist Lance chose, Lance talks to you during the workout motivating you to keep going, he also instructs you when to change up your pace, and when to take rests.
When you press the button on your iPod while you're running - your music will lower and you will hear how far you've run, what your pace is, how many calories you've burned, and depending on the workout you chose, how long you have to go! If you really get into this you can even buy a Nike+ remote watch that will control your iPod so you can keep it in your armband!
Now you're sweaty and back home. You take a shower and head to the computer to upload your first run, YaY! The iPod sync's and sends your data to Nike+. From the Nike+ site you can monitor your performances. All your runs are logged for you to check whenever you want. After you get 5-10 runs in - you will start to see yourself improving. Your lines will get straighter as you build your cardio and strength, your mileage will increase, and your times will decrease. The visual representation of these stats right in front of you is very motivating! If you're like me, you will get "the bug" and look forward to each run!
Nike+ Coach is like having your own personal trainer. You input your fitness goals, and Coach will generate a workout for you to follow. It will stagger days and workout lengths. You may have a 1.5 mile run today, and a 3.2 mile run the next.
Other nice features include Map It, which lets you use a Google Earth type system to draw a route. Map It will give you it's distance and allow to save several routes. You can see and run others users routes and they can see and run yours, unless you choose to keep them private. There are also "Teams" you can join to keep each other motivated and track each others stats. You can set challenges like: fastest mile this month or first to 50 miles... there are hundreds. Goals can also be set, met, and rewarded with medals and ribbons that are displayed on your page.
If you follow me on twitter you will notice that after I run my stats are updated on twitter for all to see. This is done by using a twitter partner called Twiike. Go to the site, create a free account, enter your Nike+ username and password, then your twitter username and password. Now, whenever you sync, data gets sent to Nike+ and to Twiike. Twiike will then automatically tweet your results. It's a good way to keep yourself motivated by letting everyone see how hard you've been working.
As you can see, I really get into this Nike+ running. I wish I had this years ago. Thinking of all those miles that could have been logged... I'm happy I found it now though. If you enjoy running or walking for fitness, this is for you!
No, I'm not a Nike employee or paid by Nike to say any of this stuff. I am a huge fan however and would like everyone to know just how great the system works so you too can stay fit and have fun.
Watch the Nike+ commercial below to see it in action :)
With summer now here, people are looking for fun outdoor activities they can do. So I decided to write about one of my favorite things to do, hit the trails! According to the American Hiking Society, hiking is the easiest and least expensive outdoor recreation. You can make it a meditative experience by going it alone, or you can bring some friends along for good conversations about nature, while you all enjoy the sun, scenery, and fresh air.
Statistics say that only 15% of the U.S. adult population engages in sufficient physical activities. As we grow older the thought of sweating it out at the gym, or running on a track/park doesn't sound so exciting anymore... Some folks may not have even considered the benefits of hiking like: losing weight, improving mental well-being, balance, reducing tension, and strengthening muscles. Even at a casual 2 mile per hour walk a 150 pound person will burn 240 calories per hour. Not bad for an activity that's so relaxing and enjoying. It's hard to believe it's actually a workout!
Have you ever heard that the sun makes people happy? Well it's true... it does. Bright light increases levels of serotonin (a mood lifting chemical) in the brain. Exercising also increases your serotonin levels. The benefits you will gain from hiking are vast and amazing!
Another thing people may not know is - almost everyone has a hiking trail near their home. With the internet the way it is now, if you are reading this blog, you can find a hiking trail near you. Use Google Maps, type "parks in" then your city and state. Once you have the names of parks near you, do a Google Web search for those parks to find out which ones have hiking trails... most do.
"I don't have anything to wear for hiking." Sure you do! If you have a closet you have what you need... You may need to get a better pair of shoes for hiking, but that can come later once you've committed to the hike. What you wear will depend largely on the trails you are planning on walking or running, and the temperature outside.
Living in Houston, TX in June in no joke. The weather here is H-O-T. I like to go in cargo shorts, a dry-wick short sleeve shirt, hiking/water shoes (timberland), a backpack, and my camera :) If I were in Alaska - a serious change in gear would be in order.
In my backpack I keep a few items I think may come in handy - remember to always think ahead. Its better to have things and not need them, than to need them and not have them... So this is what I pack:
-water -protein bars and healthy snacks -first aid kit -sunscreen -towel -pocket knife -insect repellent -flash light -matches -cell phone (for emergency only... I keep it off)
Before you leave, be sure to check your local weather reports, to make sure you don't need to bring any rain gear. I hope I helped encourage at least one person out there to hit the trails, and hike for your health! If I missed anything, or a fellow hiker has some helpful tips other readers may want to know, please leave a comment. Below is a short video from expert village on something I like to do... trail running. Have fun :P
Dana White once said that the only way Kimbo Slice could fight in the UFC, was if he fought his way through as a cast member on Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter. Kimbo is now ready to take that opportunity on the next season of the UFC's flagship show. Season Ten will begin filming very shorty and will feature former light heavyweight champs Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and "Suga" Rashad Evans as competing coaches.
EliteXC folded after investing too much money into Kimbo - then having 6.5 million viewers witness a relatively unknown Seth Petruzelli knock him out in seconds. Kimbo said in the post fight interview "It's all good". Of course it's all good... Kimbo was homeless and was fighting fools in the street for $100. Now he has a multi-million dollar contract!
Kevin Ferguson aka Kimbo Slice was given an opportunity to make lots of money and he took full advantage of it. Who can blame him for that? He knows he's a rookie in MMA, he knows he's not that good, and he knows he's gonna get knocked out again soon. Until then though, as Kevin says "Give me my bread". The man can feed his family now and wear a ten pound gold glove around his neck. I cant hate on him for that, in fact I rather admire that in him.
Most of these UFC guys have trained their whole life in the art of ripping people's arms and legs off. They can take a good punch too. I just don't see Kimbo getting very far in the UFC. Dana White knows what he is doing though. Kimbo has proven he can get ratings. On youtube and on national television - drawing millions of viewers that want to see this big ugly dude knock a hole in someones head. Kimbo will do the same for the show.
There is going to be a big rule change for Season 10. The 16 cast members will not be forced to fight, to secure a spot in the house. This move was done to ensure that Kimbo is not eliminated too early and is kept around to draw more viewers. Smart move on Dana's part don't you think?
They say Kimbo has been training hard and getting better. Maybe he can win this thing and fight a couple more in the UFC... I hope he is saving some of his "bread" and not wasting it all - 15 minutes doesn't last forever.
At this point we've heard the rumors going around about Shaq possibly going to Cleveland to play with LeBron. Well, it really isn't a rumor, it's an option that is being weighed by their teams right now.
Being raised in Cleveland, OH and being a life-long Cavaliers fan, my only concerns about getting Shaq would be his age, and the wear and tear he has put his body through. Even though I love Shaq, always have... at 37/38 years old, is he going to have what it takes to get it done all season long and into the Finals? Or even in the conference finals should the Cavs have to meet Orlando and the fresh Dwight Howard again. He looked great last year with the Suns, but will he be able continue playing at that level much longer?
This Cavaliers team is a team that must win now or get exceptionally better every year to have any hope of keeping the phenom LeBron James. Should O'Neil happen to run out of gas or be plagued by an injury, and the Cavs not having another big man able to provide you the same effective minutes, you run the risk of going through yet another disappointing year with LeBron sitting as a free agent at the end. We already know how upset James was when he lost to the Magic this year. He took a lot of criticism for his lack sportsmanship and failure to address the media.
2010 is right around the corner now. If the Cavs were to make another mistake it may be their last in the LBJ era. I want nothing more than to have James a Cavalier his entire career, but LeBron is a very smart businessman. As long as he is winning Championships and playing the type of game he displays every night, it doesn't matter who he play for, he is going to be noticed globally and in turn will be paid! If he doesn't win, he makes money... just not nearly as much. Now if he leaves Cleveland for New York, LA, Miami, or Chicago he will instantly be placed in a bigger market that would net him a greater profit even if he isn't winning the Championships.
Thankfully LeBron's pedigree is that of a winner, maybe even if to a flaw. The flaw being a sometimes apparent lack of loyalty to the city of Cleveland and it's fans. We all know his love for the Yankee's and what LBJ did at the Indian's playoff series against the Yankees. He also did something similar when the Browns played the Dallas Cowboys. I personally wish he rooted for the home team, being that Akron is 30 minutes from Cleveland, but... he can root for who ever he wants - as long as he's winning games for the Cavaliers :)
That being said, if Danny Ferry can secure a healthy Shaquille O'Neil that can play hard - without injury, I very much like the Cavs chances at a Championship and LeBron staying. I can see it now... Cavs vs Lakers Finals 2009/2010, LeBron and Shaq vs Kobe and Phil Jackson! ahhh one can only wish! If the move goes through though and it doesn't work out... I don't even want to say it.
On April 8th 2009, Cotto fired his uncle and long-time trainerEvangelista Cotto from the team's staff, after a verbal dispute turned violent. According to Cotto's camp Evangelista was against Cotto moving his training to Tampa, FL where Miguel now lives. He believed that Cotto should not train outside of Puerto Rico, even though it was becoming a distraction - do to Miguel's celebrity.
Things between the two were shaky for more than three years, before it finally came to blows, Miguel getting his 2009 Jaguar XKR window smashed, and his uncle losing his job.
This went down shortly after Cotto's now controversial loss to the hands of Antonio Margarito. Needing a new trainer, Miguel turned to his staffs nutritionist Joe Santiago. Miguel also went out and got a few tattoos. The most visible one being a tribal that covers the right side of his body from knee-to-shoulder. It resembles the tribal Tyson now sports on his face. He also has three Chinese letters on the side of his neck, his kids names on his left bicep, a scorpion on his shoulder, and a star on his wrist.
With all these new changes happening around the Cotto camp you have to wonder what is going through the mind of Miguel Cotto. He has always conducted himself with respect and class and has been a great ambassador for the sport of boxing. If this scenario was to have played out at another boxers camp you would think that maybe they got big headed and selfish. However, I don't think that is the case with Miguel, I think that they are having a family dispute on an issue they wish to not share just yet. It was necessary for Miguel to seek a new trainer, someone who he could respect and get along with.
The tattoos Cotto chose and the location of them mark the sign of a beast! He has his kids names on his left bicep. Cotto's best punch is his left hook (to the head or body), he chose to put those names there in flames to remind him what he is fighting for. The scorpion lurking around his shoulder is just waiting to attack. The long tribal is like his war paint as he stalks his prey in the ring. The Chinese letters on side of his neck are to show he embraces the code of the Samurai. With his new focus and only taste of defeat, I believe Cotto is going to step up his game and fight like a man possessed.
Saturday's fight against Joshua Clottey showed the world the kind of boxer Miguel Cotto is. Despite being badly cut over his left eye in the fourth round, Cotto continued to pursue and exchange with another very talented young fighter. Never looking for an easy/early escape which would more than likely have earned him a victory, Miguel pressed on and finished the fight strong. He earned the victory via split decision after going all 12 rounds.
What do you guys think about Cotto's new ways? Do you think maybe he is getting the "big head" or do you think he did the right thing by firing his long-time uncle/trainer? Ultimately does his new style and training benefit him or should he have stayed with his uncle? All very good questions and something that only time will tell, but from what I see so far I like it! Let me know what you think.
Welcome to the new GaLiNd3z Blog! I've set up this blog to share some of my thoughts and experiences, and to get feedback from people with similar interests. I share on Facebook and Twitter also, but sometimes you need more than a paragraph or 140 characters to express yourself.
I'll be posting articles concerning sports, current events, politics, technology, and my own personal adventures. I like to see the humorous side of things so you should be able to get a couple good laughs here as well. :)
I encourage you to leave feedback on the article you find interesting, let me know how you feel. While my posts are still building here, head over and follow me on twitter. See what I'm up to and send me a tweet.
I would like to take a minute here to talk briefly about one of my idols growing up, Michael Jackson. I remember being in my living room at night while my parents were asleep, sitting in my pajamas on the floor in front of our stereo - writing down the lyrics to my favorite MJ songs from the Thriller album.
