tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49379810945991656872024-03-12T22:48:26.223-05:00THE GAME (G.3) is...A Perpetually Evolving and Openly Innovated Omni-Competition: Anyone. Anything. Anywhere. Any Time.BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-31330842375012048932012-10-19T22:05:00.001-05:002012-11-04T01:49:33.094-05:00THE GAME in Video: Phil Mickelson Goes Long and Overshoots His Receiver<div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:e0c51198-0a63-4fd6-9c35-9fb7a179e945" class="wlWriterSmartContent"> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px" id="d2dffca1-b2e8-4c71-90f1-5543dba06f15"> <div><embed height="291" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="517" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2OgHb0L1F34?hl=en&hd=1" /></div> </div> </div> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Mickelson" target="_blank">Phil Mickelson</a> may have not hit the million dollar shot, but he did win $50,000 for his charity and he also helped make a case for the potential interactions between athletic nodes that, on the surface, seem polar opposites. </p> <p>Although, one could argue that the success of kickers and punters in football requires nerves, rhythm and poise (like golfers) rather than rage and brawn, its refreshing to see a popular and widely-played “finesse” sport like golf physically find its way onto a football field. </p> <p>In many ways the role of those who participate in golf nodes is analogous to those of kickers and punters from football nodes. So a possible, but potentially prominent role for those from golf nodes who are in football nodes, could be as <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/10/first-basic-game-formations-circa.html" target="_blank">ThB</a> “artillery pieces”. In this scenario, golf ThBs would play further back than a typical ThB, lobbing and firing golf balls into adjacent and far away <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/09/navigating-nodes-and-zones-in-game.html" target="_blank">zones</a> where playmaking <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/10/first-basic-game-formations-circa.html" target="_blank">W</a>s (from other nodes, but on the same team) would be positioned to catch the shots.</p> <p>By using analogous nodal elements, one can integrate disparate nodes like football and golf to successfully create a chain of unique competitions that can be blended (hybridized) or linked together.</p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-8363172692967857482012-04-18T02:38:00.001-05:002012-05-14T22:39:16.581-05:00Tupac’s Resurrection Shows the Endless Possibilities Ahead for G.3<div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:a19d0fab-ad25-44da-80e7-8fa39b042a45" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="609ad392-be5c-43cf-92d2-464ab393c268" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGbrFmPBV0Y" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SUB81IaDUDU/T7HP4r2BxRI/AAAAAAAABdQ/VduSRfngf2U/video004f32053fda%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('609ad392-be5c-43cf-92d2-464ab393c268'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"336\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/TGbrFmPBV0Y?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/TGbrFmPBV0Y?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>The ghostly resurrection of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupac_Shakur" target="_blank">Tupac Shakur</a> last weekend at the <a href="http://coachella.com" target="_blank">Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival</a> was certainly <a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-tupac-hologram-at-coachella-tour-20120417,0,5678362.story" target="_blank">not the first time</a> hologram technology was used to blend the virtual and physical worlds together. </p> <p>Even though, digitally creating people, characters and scenarios is not an entirely new frontier, I still couldn’t help but think, as virtual technologies become more immersive, how exciting the possibilities are for G.3 when merging the virtual and real worlds.</p> <p>Some ideas for G.3 scenarios quickly came to mind:</p> <ul> <li>Former friends-turned-rivals Tupac and Biggie Smalls reconcile to perform on stage together; which brings us to the idea of bringing back any performer who has passed and can now perform live with any still living performer or group. At the top of my wish list would be Freddie Mercury. </li> <li>Safely and ethically integrate the domain of warfare (with armies, navies and so on from all eras) into G.3 competitions. Virtual technologies could also pit historically accurate and fictional military units against each other. </li> <li>Pitting the all-time teams (of all sports and eras) against each other to help settle questions of who and which teams are the best of all-time. </li> <li>Integrating past all-time teams and players into current G.3 play. </li> <li>Playing out alternate histories that affect the outcome of G.3 competitions. </li> <li>Enable the extension of video games into the physical world. </li> </ul> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-23723692133577393212012-03-09T01:15:00.001-06:002012-03-09T01:16:58.266-06:00THE GAME In Pictures: Atlanta vs. Pittsburgh<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pTlMSUdHSPA/T1mtu0BeKSI/AAAAAAAABbo/mJk8EH-sDC4/s1600-h/G1_Pittsburgh_vs_Atlanta%25255B44%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="G1_Pittsburgh_vs_Atlanta" alt="G1_Pittsburgh_vs_Atlanta" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eBHjEKosNqM/T1mtvGGp4iI/AAAAAAAABbs/QDfXadpJT88/G1_Pittsburgh_vs_Atlanta_thumb%25255B43%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="284" /></a></p> <p>In G.3, one of the many ways in which teams can be built is by combining professional, semi-professional or amateur teams from one city. How these teams interact with each other (if at all) in a GAME can vary widely.</p> <p>On one end of the G.3 competition spectrum, one can find an alliance of teams representing a city; working together as a larger team but without direct interactions during the course of a GAME (at least on the field of play; however there will be interactions on a strategic and executive level to better coordinate the teams). Best described as <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/07/semantics-and-hierarchy-nodes-types.html" target="_blank">“Games within THE GAME”</a>, a GAME winner is determined by an <strong>aggregate score</strong> compiled from the constituent teams that form the larger team. These types of GAMEs would be ideally suited for G.3 enthusiasts who are <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/09/navigating-nodes-and-zones-in-game.html" target="_blank">node</a> purists and who like to maintain a separation between nodes instead of direct interactions. For example:</p> <p><strong>G.3 Matchup: New York vs. Washington</strong></p> <p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="401"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="198"><strong><u>Games</u></strong></td> <td valign="top" width="201"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="198">New York Giants (NFL) 24</td> <td valign="top" width="201">Washington Redskins (NFL) 21</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="198">New York Rangers (NHL) 3</td> <td valign="top" width="201">Washington Capitals (NHL) 4</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="198">New York Mets (NL) 5</td> <td valign="top" width="201">Washington Nationals (NL) 3</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="198">New York Red Bulls (MLS) 2</td> <td valign="top" width="201">D.C. United (MLS) 2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="198">New York Knicks (NBA) 105</td> <td valign="top" width="201">Washington Wizards (NBA) 102</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="198"> </td> <td valign="top" width="201"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="198"><strong>Winner: New York 139</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="201">Washington 132</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </p> <p>On the other end of the G.3 competition spectrum, there are GAMEs that have many interactions between teams regardless of their node affiliation. Which brings us to the above image. </p> <p>Inspired by the <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/09/first-basic-game-formations-circa-1999.html" target="_blank">defense-offense transition formation</a>, the compiled image above shows a G.3 matchup between teams from Pittsburgh and Atlanta. On the left is Pittsburgh Steelers safety <a href="http://www.nfl.com/player/troypolamalu/2505621/profile" target="_blank">Troy Polamalu</a> wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers football kit (designed by Jimmy Nutini; see more of his crossover concepts <a href="http://boards.sportslogos.net/topic/77520-when-the-uk-takes-over-the-nfl/" target="_blank">here</a>) playing the hybrid position of football fullback, rugby fullback and American football safety. Polamalu’s defense mates have stopped the opposing offense (note Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets left wing <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8475169" target="_blank">Evander Kane</a> transitioning to defense in the background) and his defense is now quickly transitioning to a multi-pronged offense (using multiple teams, fronts and balls simultaneously). </p> <p>Playing deeper than Polamalu on the backline is a hybrid fullback (not pictured)—the last line of defense in this particular formation. A hybrid fullback must have the ability to play stout defense and take away the ball from the opposing teams’ forwards (regardless of nodes). A hybrid fullback must also, at times, be able to simultaneously receive and handle balls from allied teams, teammates and players outside/inside his nodes and zones; quickly distributing the balls in his possession to a vast array of forwards and backs. So it is easy to see why a hybrid fullback is an important catalyst in the defense-offense transition.</p> <p>In the picture, a hybrid fullback has already passed the football to Polamalu, who is passing it further down the field to one of his forwards. At the same time and also pictured is Steelers punt returner <a href="http://www.nfl.com/player/antoniobrown/2508061/profile" target="_blank">Antonio Brown</a> (84) streaking through Atlanta’s transition defense; pursued by members of the Atlanta Falcons punt coverage team. Also pictured is, in the foreground, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8468498" target="_blank">Brooks Orpik</a> pushing forward to help with the offensive attack. The multiple balls and points of actions are used to illustrate the multilinear flow of some GAMEs.  </p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-82341743549149866142012-02-27T02:30:00.001-06:002012-02-27T14:36:44.810-06:00THE GAME In Pictures: Manchester United & Tampa Bay Buccaneers Host Arsenal & Colorado Avalanche at Old Trafford<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zNlpgvMAY10/T0vpWne6aBI/AAAAAAAABaY/-FVn3WYKFsc/s1600-h/GAME_ManU_Arsenal_Avs%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="GAME_ManU_Arsenal_Avs" alt="GAME_ManU_Arsenal_Avs" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WQIzLwqvBAE/T0vpXLYeqvI/AAAAAAAABag/X9mJL4W1B8g/GAME_ManU_Arsenal_Avs_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="276" /></a> </p> <p>In <a href="http://theideaboard.freeforums.org/is-the-time-right-for-cross-node-teams-t42.html" target="_blank">a previous post on THE IdeaBOARD</a>, I proposed that there could be the potential for owners of multiple sports teams across many nodes to eventually consolidate their teams for the purpose of participating in GAMEs:</p> <blockquote> <p>Although having multiple teams in different nodes sharing a single owner or ownership entity does not necessarily lead to cross-node GAME interactions of those teams, there are the right components and the right environment (a relatively slow worldwide economy with leagues and teams in many sports and markets struggling to remain competitive or viable) for a forward-thinking owner or fan base to <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/09/navigating-nodes-and-zones-in-game.html">seize an opportunity and enable initial interactions between nodes; eventually leading to something deeper and substantive esthetically (as new nodes are linked or blended, completely new nodes are generated) and financially (cross-branding takes on a deeper new meaning; disparate nodes are no longer solely linked by common values, demographics or financial opportunities, but are literally linked or blended together)</a>.</p> </blockquote> <p>In the composite shot above, <a href="http://www.manutd.com/" target="_blank">Manchester United</a> midfielder <a href="http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And-Staff/First-Team/Anderson.aspx" target="_blank">Anderson</a> fires the ball between <a href="http://avalanche.nhl.com/" target="_blank">Colorado Avalanche</a> defenseman <a href="http://avalanche.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8470839" target="_blank">Shane O’Brien</a> and a sliding <a href="http://www.arsenal.com" target="_blank">Arsenal</a> goalkeeper <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/reserves-youth/players/wojciech-szczesny" target="_blank">Wojciech Szczęsny</a> as Arsenal right-back <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/bacary-sagna" target="_blank">Bacary Sagna</a> looks on. Manchester United and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are owned by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_Glazer" target="_blank">Malcolm Glazer</a> and his family. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stan_Kroenke" target="_blank">Stan Kroenke</a> owns Arsenal and the Colorado Avalanche.</p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-40010552022736158762012-02-23T01:39:00.001-06:002012-02-23T16:00:00.195-06:00THE GAME In Pictures: A Basic GAME Formation Featuring Denard Robinson and Pat White<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZPA3M0t7JfA/T0XtF_tM6BI/AAAAAAAABYg/AtG0YyMWyhU/s1600-h/BGF_Denard_Robinson-Pat_Whi6.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="BGF_Denard_Robinson-Pat_Whi" alt="BGF_Denard_Robinson-Pat_Whi" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hciMGsE36-c/T0XtGr9nMzI/AAAAAAAABYo/PPcY4U8bxZw/BGF_Denard_Robinson-Pat_Whi_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="313" /></a></p> <p>A <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/10/first-basic-game-formations-circa.html" target="_blank">previous post</a> detailed the first basic GAME formation and suggested the <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/09/first-basic-game-formations-circa-1999.html" target="_blank">ThB</a> positions for dynamic football quarterbacks, <a href="http://msnsportsnet.com/profile.cfm?id=100828&sport=football" target="_blank">Pat White</a> from West Virginia University and <a href="http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/robinson_denard00.html" target="_blank">Denard Robinson</a> from the University of Michigan. </p> <p>In G.3 the ThB can be best described as a mobile multi-nodal hybrid position whose primary role is that of a thrower and whose targets are players spanning multiple nodes. ThB’s can range from tall power throwers to relatively smaller, more explosive mobile throwers like White and Robinson.</p> <p>The action shot above features an alternate reality in which Rich Rodriguez’s combined Michigan and West Virginia football spread option and GAME option attacks are advancing against a multi-team platoon that includes a squad of Ohio State defenders. Pat White (ThB) has just optioned the ball to Denard Robinson (ThB) after going through his throwing progressions on the wings (transition zones). Note White’s dirty uniform; a detail that reflects White’s transition from another node (played on natural grass) to his current node (played on FieldTurf).</p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-48470178447560783322012-01-19T15:53:00.001-06:002012-01-29T19:16:22.087-06:00Why Beauty Pageants Matter and Belong in G.3<img src="http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2012/01/14/120111-Laura_Kaeppeler-AP120111038945_2_620x350.jpg" width="456" height="276" /> <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small">Photo courtesy of AP/Miss America</span> <br />When I watched the newly crowned 2012 Miss America, Wisconsin’s opera-singing <a href="http://www.misswisconsin.com/" target="_blank">Laura Kaeppeler</a>, ascend her throne (?) last week, for some reason the first thing that popped into my head was the time and financial commitment, as well as the personal sacrifices the contestants and their families must have made over the years to just reach that moment. Certainly the benefits must outweigh the costs, I thought. <br /> <br />Writer and sociologist <a href="http://hilaryleveyfriedman.com/" target="_blank">Hilary Levey Friedman</a> discovered while researching <a href="http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/2000/06.08/beauty.html" target="_blank">her senior thesis</a> at Harvard in 2000, there are many reasons why children and their parents enter the world of beauty pageants: <br /> <blockquote> <p><strong><span style="font-size: large">“</span></strong>Parents with higher incomes and education beyond high school often cite teaching a child how to deal with competition as a main reason for entering pageants. Many of them want their daughters to be doctors, dentists, or to have professional careers, Levey discovered in interviews.</p> <p>Moms on lower socioeconomic levels also think competition is healthy. "My daughter looks like Barbie," one said. "I tell her to exploit it. This is your life; you take what you have and run with it." </p> <p>A high percentage of parents said they enter their children into beauty contests so they can meet others. "Pageants help my daughter make friends," one mother noted.</p> <p>Other parents put their children into the competitions because they themselves found them to be helpful. "Pageants were a positive experience for me," another mom commented. "I became less shy, learned about public speaking, gained job interview skills, and got rid of a heavy Maine accent.<span style="font-size: large"><strong>"</strong> </span></p> </blockquote> A common thread we discover is that the competition serves as a platform where participants (or in some cases, the parents of the participants) learn and cultivate characteristics that contribute to a future track record of success. As it turns out the reasons are no different than those of us who are shuttling our kids from school to music lessons to sports practices and so on, day after day after day. Could it be that the path that Laura Kaeppeler took to the top is not all that different from an elite athlete, musician, scientist or even those of us who want to be considered the best at what we do? <br /> <br />Several years ago, a reader questioned me about including beauty pageants as a <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/09/navigating-nodes-and-zones-in-game.html" target="_blank">node</a> in G.3. I explained that in any sport or profession, only a few reach an elite status. Even when one puts in the time and sacrifices that are necessary, there are no guarantees that one will reach the pinnacle of their profession. At its core, G.3 is simply a stage where its participants and practitioners have an opportunity to measure themselves against the countless variety of types and levels of competitors in a countless number of nodes. What makes G.3 great is that it pits the best from across all its nodes against each other. But, for those of us who may never reach the peak, G.3 can still help make us better at what we currently do, love to do or it can give us new exciting possibilities to pursue. In that sense, the Miss America Pageant is an ideal G.3 node. <br /> <br />There will always be detractors who regard <em>true</em> competitions as only those that severely test the physical or mental will of its participants. But, therein lies the beauty of G.3. Although a more nuanced view of what is an elite competition will certainly enhance the enjoyment of G.3 as a participant or aficionado, it isn’t required to enjoy the many other aspects of G.3 that may better suit those who have a very specific definition of “competition”. BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-15842094427188085332011-12-27T00:01:00.001-06:002013-01-09T22:19:17.281-06:00Combining Eras In G.3: “NBA Forever”<div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:793a8af3-102b-4fda-98cd-69a24647326d" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="454cd8ba-5ee1-4e1f-956e-7cbe24c67e84" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exZuVO3PEbM" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_jh8ff8GhkY/UO5ArntDK7I/AAAAAAAABeI/1bqfwinxxrY/video4273569af5e8%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('454cd8ba-5ee1-4e1f-956e-7cbe24c67e84'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/exZuVO3PEbM?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/exZuVO3PEbM?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> This amazing commercial tells more than I could in words about how lucky we would be if, one day, G.3 could transcend time and eras and bring together all who have taken part or could have taken part in G.3 for one big <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/07/semantics-and-hierarchy-nodes-types.html">GAME</a>. <br />It’s a dream that currently resides in the worlds of video editing, video game design, cinema or <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/locker/simulations.shtm">online sports simulations</a>, but here’s to one day being able to live inside such an extraordinary dream. <br /> <br /> <p><img alt="Image" src="http://windycitizensports.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/bulls-dream1.jpg?w=595" width="441" height="349" /></p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-18523320437690988422011-12-20T02:12:00.001-06:002011-12-21T14:14:35.509-06:00Notre Dame On Ice: When Life Gives You Apples…<p>As a Michigan fan, I smile whenever I see Notre Dame’s iconic brand take a hit (like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6mE9Au3CwM">this</a>). It’s even more delicious when the one inflicting the damage is Notre Dame herself. <br /> <br />Which leads me to this gem starting at 1:09. Note the dejected and sad gaze of the ND band as they play... <br /> <br /></p> <p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:a76a4b1e-0bf0-4261-b52a-c7b4531c9a33" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="36ab6200-265e-4526-9941-866817d0bd1d" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-iCIS3vttI&feature=youtu.be" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hwPEH7y2UWw/TvI5yScsYvI/AAAAAAAABX0/pjw8b4E-H_w/video1dbabc0f88bb%25255B36%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('36ab6200-265e-4526-9941-866817d0bd1d'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/G-iCIS3vttI?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/G-iCIS3vttI?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> </p> <p>The confused reaction of those watching this amalgamation of live music (albeit good music by Chicago), figure skating and Notre Dame football indicates people may not be quite ready now for what G.3 will ultimately be. I am convinced, however, that G.3 can ably weave together the <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/09/navigating-nodes-and-zones-in-game.html">nodes</a> we see in the video in a compelling and entertaining way without compromising the integrity of each individual node. In this example, the half-ass presentation of the Notre Dame football node helps kill this video on arrival. The lackadaisical skating, the horrendous choreography, the apathy of the ND band, the docile demonstration of the sport of football... <br /> <br />Need I go on? <br /> <br />If Notre Dame’s actual football players came out on skates and earnestly competed against another football team on skates, would it have made a difference? Very likely.</p> <p>Regardless of whether it was a decision made by Notre Dame, Brian Boitano or Musselman’s Apple Sauce to marginalize and emasculate Notre Dame football in this way, internodal blending or linking fundamentally requires a respect for its constituent nodes. Chicago is doing what it does best—perform. Brian Boitano and friends are doing what they know best—perform. This is primarily why these two nodes complement and work well together. Notre Dame, on the other hand, had no shot from the very beginning.  <br /> <br />There is plenty of drama in a rugged and violent sport like football. People are always drawn to <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/12/tim-tebow-and-tom-brady-draw-nfls-highest-rating-/1">dramatic games</a> and if constituent nodes are linked and blended with care and respect, the emotions that burgeon from the nodes of figure skating and music can complement and accentuate the drama that we see in football—whether it’s played on turf or on skates. <br /> <br />So I think I’ll give Notre Dame somewhat of a pass on this one. I’ll give them a 6.0 for the idea of reaching out to other athletic and entertainment nodes, but that’s about all I’m going to concede. I love G.3, but I’m still a Michigan fan.</p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-37337682047784157382011-09-19T00:10:00.001-05:002012-03-02T23:22:14.757-06:00THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen, Week Ten<p>Here is week ten of Herschel Walker’s recommended advanced training regimen from his book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385265042/ref=nosim?tag=tg08a-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549">Herschel Walker’s Basic Training</a>.</em></p> <p><a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/12/game-training-herschel-walkers-training.html" target="_blank">Week One</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/01/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Two</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/03/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Three</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/05/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Four</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/08/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Five</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/10/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Six</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/11/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Seven</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2011/01/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Eight</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2011/04/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Nine</a></p> <p><strong>THE ADVANCED PROGRAM</strong></p> <p><strong>WEEK TEN: Monday, Friday—Morning Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 15 minutes or 2 miles.</p> <p>Karate:</p> <blockquote> <p>Straight punch—48 per arm</p> <p>Groin strike—48 per arm</p> <p>Open-hand strike to face—48 per arm</p> <p>Roundhouse kick—48 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the midsection—48 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the head—48 per leg</p> <p>Sliding back kick—48 per leg</p> </blockquote> <p>Agility:</p> <blockquote> <p>Squat thrust—50</p> <p>Sideways box hop—80</p> <p>Backward and forward box hop—80</p> <p>Half-turn—80</p> </blockquote> <p>Push-ups: 145 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 145 have been done. Make sure you experiment with different heights to change the resistance.</p> <p>Sit-ups: 180 total. Add weight if needed.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 4 minutes.</p> <p>Weight training:</p> <blockquote> <p>Power pull—1 x10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Crunch—120</p> <p>Twisting sit-up—100</p> </blockquote> <p>Basketball: 45 minutes</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Wednesday</strong></p> <p>Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoon. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:</p> <p>Weight training:</p> <blockquote> <p>Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Chin—1 x 10, 3 x 3 with added weight, 1 x 10</p> <p>Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Weighted sit-up—4 x 25</p> <p>Leg raise—130</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 6 minutes.</p> <p>Sprinting: 1 x 300-yard stride (three-quarter speed). 2 x 200-yard strides (three-quarter to full speed). 2 x 110-yard sprints. 3 x 50-yard sprints.</p> <p>Hill running: 10 x 30-yard strides (half to three-quarter speed).</p> <p>Dumbbell runs: 5 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.</p> <p>Rope skipping: 15 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Karate:</p> <blockquote> <p>Straight punch—48 per arm</p> <p>Groin strike—48 per arm</p> <p>Open-hand strike to face—48 per arm</p> <p>Roundhouse kick—48 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the midsection—48 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the head—48 per leg</p> <p>Sliding back kick—48 per leg</p> </blockquote> <p>Basketball: 45 minutes.</p> <p>Water work:</p> <blockquote> <p>Run in water—14 minutes</p> <p>Water karate (kicks and punches)—14 minutes</p> <p>Modified breast stroke—14 minutes</p> <p>Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—14 minutes</p> </blockquote> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Thursday</strong></p> <p>Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this tenth week run 10 x 50-yard strides at three-quarter speed, pulling a tire with 18 to 22 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 4 x 100-yard strides and 2 x 50-yard sprints.</p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-82092302106793509222011-05-11T00:34:00.001-05:002012-02-23T01:01:49.891-06:00THE GAME in Pictures: Merged G.3 College Football Teams<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/Tcof-m-6C3I/AAAAAAAABWo/v1mOfXVbZso/s1600-h/MichOregonvsOhioStateUSC5.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Mich-Oregon-vs-Ohio-State-USC" alt="Mich-Oregon-vs-Ohio-State-USC" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/Tcof-9KvroI/AAAAAAAABWs/nmhKuPO0AVE/MichOregonvsOhioStateUSC_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><strong><font size="2">2010 Michigan-Oregon vs. Ohio State-USC</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://mgoblue.com" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> QB, <a href="http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/robinson_denard00.html" target="_blank">Denard Robinson</a> dashes through the Ohio State-USC defense during a 2010 <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/12/game-mergers-and-partnerships-in.html" target="_blank">inter-conference G.3 college football</a> matchup between Michigan-Oregon and Ohio State-USC in Columbus, Ohio.</p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-82239120702315250912011-04-13T18:40:00.001-05:002012-03-03T13:23:46.059-06:00THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen, Week Nine<div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:41768581-be58-4537-8d8c-a4eea6e2d98a" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="859d9cc2-4301-4529-8057-89b7e74427db" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyKLeXP2XOU" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aUdjXFDQ42g/T1JvQhTrtMI/AAAAAAAABbU/dxY22tV6gg4/videoc9199bb489b4%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('859d9cc2-4301-4529-8057-89b7e74427db'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/KyKLeXP2XOU&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/KyKLeXP2XOU&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>Here is week nine of Herschel Walker’s recommended advanced training regimen from his book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385265042/ref=nosim?tag=tg08a-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549">Herschel Walker’s Basic Training</a>.</em></p> <p><a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/12/game-training-herschel-walkers-training.html" target="_blank">Week One</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/01/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Two</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/03/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Three</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/05/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Four</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/08/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Five</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/10/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Six</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/11/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Seven</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2011/01/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Eight</a></p> <p><strong>THE ADVANCED PROGRAM</strong></p> <p><strong>WEEK NINE: Monday, Friday—Morning Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 15 minutes or 2 miles.</p> <p>Karate:</p> <blockquote> <p>Straight punch—46 per arm</p> <p>Groin strike—46 per arm</p> <p>Open-hand strike to face—46 per arm</p> <p>Roundhouse kick—46 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the midsection—46 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the head—46 per leg</p> <p>Sliding back kick—46 per leg</p> </blockquote> <p>Agility:</p> <blockquote> <p>Squat thrust—50</p> <p>Sideways box hop—75</p> <p>Backward and forward box hop—75</p> <p>Half-turn—75</p> </blockquote> <p>Push-ups: 140 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 140 have been done. Make sure you experiment with different heights to change the resistance.</p> <p>Sit-ups: 190 total. Add weight if needed.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 4 minutes.</p> <p>Weight training:</p> <blockquote> <p>Power pull—1 x10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Crunch—125</p> <p>Twisting sit-up—105</p> </blockquote> <p>Basketball: 45 minutes</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Wednesday</strong></p> <p>Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoon. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:</p> <p>Weight training:</p> <blockquote> <p>Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Chin—1 x 10, 3 x 3 with added weight, 1 x 10</p> <p>Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 3 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Weighted sit-up—4 x 25</p> <p>Leg raise—125</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 6 minutes.</p> <p>Sprinting: 2 x 300-yard strides (three-quarter speed). 2 x 200-yard strides (three-quarter to full speed). 3 x 110-yard sprints. 2 x 50-yard sprints.</p> <p>Hill running: 10 x 30-yard strides (half to three-quarter speed).</p> <p>Dumbbell runs: 5 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.</p> <p>Rope skipping: 15 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Karate:</p> <blockquote> <p>Straight punch—46 per arm</p> <p>Groin strike—46 per arm</p> <p>Open-hand strike to face—46 per arm</p> <p>Roundhouse kick—46 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the midsection—46 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the head—46 per leg</p> <p>Sliding back kick—46 per leg</p> </blockquote> <p>Basketball: 45 minutes.</p> <p>Water work:</p> <blockquote> <p>Run in water—14 minutes</p> <p>Water karate (kicks and punches)—14 minutes</p> <p>Modified breast stroke—14 minutes</p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p>Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—14 minutes</p> </blockquote> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Thursday</strong></p> <p>Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this ninth week run 10 x 50-yard strides at half speed, pulling a tire with 18 to 22 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 5 x 100-yard strides and 1 x 50-yard sprint.</p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-45667893298600371112011-04-12T00:39:00.000-05:002011-04-26T12:15:44.807-05:00National Athletic Association@G.3 Primer<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TaaIhvGAzXI/AAAAAAAAArw/KUSIn2WMPFc/s1600-h/National-Athletic-Assoc%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="National-Athletic-Assoc" border="0" alt="National-Athletic-Assoc" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TaaIh6Nb5yI/AAAAAAAAAr0/8CjNtdiDiyg/National-Athletic-Assoc_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="113" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>The National Athletic Association (NAA) is a fictitious professional athletic association comprised of the same institutions, conferences and organizations found in its parent organizations, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and, to a lesser extent, the GAME (G.3). </p> <p>As a professional athletic association, the NAA leverages the tradition, passion and pageantry of the NCAA’s sports, institutions and conferences, and extends it to the professional sports arena. Until the formation of the NAA, most collegiate athletes could not continue their athletic careers at a professional level; especially those participating in “non-revenue” sports. The NAA enables those who have used all of or forgone their NCAA eligibility to do the following:</p> <ol> <li>Continue to develop and to maximize one’s physical abilities in a highly competitive and professional environment. </li> <li>Provide a competitive platform for those who wish to extend their athletic careers at the very same institutions they attended as NCAA athletes. </li> <li>Serve as a conduit for athletes to ultimately reach the most elite levels of play throughout the world. </li> <li>Serve as a resource for intellectual growth while one pursues his or her professional athletic endeavors.   </li> </ol> <p>The NAA was founded in 1999 as a 50-50 joint venture between the NCAA and G1 Ventures, the holding company that owns and operates G.3. The President of the NAA is nominated by the NCAA Executive Committee and is confirmed by a majority vote of the G1 Ventures Board of Directors to a four year term. At the end of his or her four year term, the NAA president may be retained for another four year term by a majority vote of both the NCAA Executive Committee and the G1 Ventures Board of Directors. </p> <p>Since it is a professional athletic association, the NAA governance structure, unlike the NCAA, is not made up of numerous committees, subcommittees, et cetera. Instead, the NAA has a more traditional top-down leadership structure led by the NAA President.</p> <p>All revenues from and expenses incurred by the NAA are divided evenly between the NCAA, G1 Ventures and the NAA. </p> <p><strong>Some Key Rules Regarding NAA Athlete Eligibility</strong></p> <ol> <li>In order to participate in the NAA, one must first attend or have attended an NCAA institution for at least one academic year. </li> <li>Those who have used up all of or forgone their NCAA eligibility are automatically eligible for the NAA. </li> <li>Those participating in the NAA are eligible to continue their studies at their corresponding NCAA institutions; however, they are not eligible to participate in its NCAA athletic competitions. </li> <li>Depending on the sport or node, a very select number of roster spots may be designated as “open” for players from the high school, international or professional ranks. These players may be eligible to study at their corresponding NCAA institutions. </li> </ol> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-52003453060550731582011-03-09T21:39:00.001-06:002011-03-09T21:39:26.082-06:00Integrating Multiple Nodes in THE GAME (G.3) Through Modules<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TXhH65qCYZI/AAAAAAAAArI/mlrxevZ-plI/s1600-h/modules6.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="modules" alt="modules" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TXhH7StNF7I/AAAAAAAAArM/4gaUkDzpsok/modules_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><font size="1">Modules by </font><a href="http://www.sirousnamazi.com/" target="_blank"><font size="1">Sirous Namazi</font></a></p> <p><font size="1">Article courtesy of <a href="http://thegameology.blogspot.com">THE GAMEology</a></font></p> <p>THE GAME (G.3) constantly changes and grows so it is helpful if as many of the components within G.3 and its derivatives maintain a degree of familiarity for its observers and more importantly its participants. Using modules may not be the most purely innovative route to creating Games, but it can get large parts of a Game up and running quickly while creating a sense of familiarity fans and participants may desire. <br /></p> <p>When creating a Game, a module can consist of any number of established nodes (in whole or in part) that have already been blended or linked together (nodes that have already been created, documented and are “familiar” to an established fanbase) and can be pieced together with other nodes or modules. Although certain aspects of a Game, specifically the new parts of a Game (in the <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/09/navigating-nodes-and-zones-in-game.html">zones</a>, the virtual and physical spaces between nodes) that link the existing nodes or modules together, may be completely new and unfamiliar, using modules helps ensure that recurrent or familiar aspects of a Game are in place; making the blends, transitions or linkages between nodes or modules easy to visualize and follow (for fans and participants). </p> <p>For example, when linking the nodes of water polo and association football, one can select modules consisting of individual players, a group of players, an entire side in or on the field of play or a specific rule from either node and then link these desired modules together through the actions of <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/10/first-basic-game-formations-circa.html">W</a> players in the transitional zones—where multiple nodes intersect with each other. In this example, a W player near the edge of a football pitch wearing a hybrid uniform in the colors and design of his affiliated football side and water polo team would, according to G.3 rules, be allowed to move freely in a zone between the pitch and the pool; transitioning in and out of football and water polo as the flow of the two independently, but parallel running games would require. By utilizing this example of a system of linking nodes through W players, one can preserve the basic structure of the existing nodes, while deriving new and interesting extensions and at the same time create new connections to other nodes. </p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-9885866916586564062011-01-21T10:58:00.001-06:002011-09-19T00:00:11.974-05:00THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen, Week Eight<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TTm7Px_ePsI/AAAAAAAAAqw/-TisquzlabA/s1600-h/herchel-and-lewis%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="herchel-and-lewis" alt="herchel-and-lewis" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TTm7QDmVQ5I/AAAAAAAAAq0/jOQfczPq9Cs/herchel-and-lewis_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="325" /></a> </p> <p>Here is week eight of Herschel Walker’s recommended advanced training regimen from his book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385265042/ref=nosim?tag=tg08a-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549">Herschel Walker’s Basic Training</a>.</em></p> <p><a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/12/game-training-herschel-walkers-training.html" target="_blank">Week One</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/01/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Two</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/03/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Three</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/05/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Four</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/08/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Five</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/10/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Six</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/11/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Seven</a></p> <p><strong>THE ADVANCED PROGRAM</strong></p> <p><strong>WEEK EIGHT: Monday, Friday—Morning Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 15 minutes or 2 miles.</p> <p>Karate:</p> <blockquote> <p>Straight punch—44 per arm</p> <p>Groin strike—44 per arm</p> <p>Open-hand strike to face—44 per arm</p> <p>Roundhouse kick—44 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the midsection—44 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the head—44 per leg</p> <p>Sliding back kick—44 per leg</p> </blockquote> <p>Agility:</p> <blockquote> <p>Squat thrust—50</p> <p>Sideways box hop—70</p> <p>Backward and forward box hop—70</p> <p>Half-turn—70</p> </blockquote> <p>Push-ups: 135 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 135 have been done. Make sure you experiment with different heights to change the resistance.</p> <p>Sit-ups: 170 total. Add weight if needed.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 4 minutes.</p> <p>Weight training:</p> <blockquote> <p>Power pull—1 x10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Crunch—115</p> <p>Twisting sit-up—95</p> </blockquote> <p>Basketball: 45 minutes</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Wednesday</strong></p> <p>Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoon. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:</p> <p>Weight training:</p> <blockquote> <p>Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Chin—1 x 10, 3 x 5 with added weight, 1 x 10</p> <p>Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Weighted sit-up—4 x 25</p> <p>Leg raise—120</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 6 minutes.</p> <p>Sprinting: 1 x 440-yard stride (half speed). 1 x 300-yard stride (three-quarter speed). 3 x 200-yard strides (three-quarter to full speed). 3 x 110-yard sprints. 1 x 50-yard sprint.</p> <p>Hill running: 10 x 30-yard strides (half to three-quarter speed).</p> <p>Dumbbell runs: 5 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.</p> <p>Rope skipping: 15 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Karate:</p> <blockquote> <p>Straight punch—44 per arm</p> <p>Groin strike—44 per arm</p> <p>Open-hand strike to face—44 per arm</p> <p>Roundhouse kick—44 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the midsection—44 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the head—44 per leg</p> <p>Sliding back kick—44 per leg</p> </blockquote> <blockquote></blockquote> <p>Basketball: 45 minutes.</p> <p>Water work:</p> <blockquote> <p>Run in water—14 minutes</p> <p>Water karate (kicks and punches)—14 minutes</p> <p>Modified breast stroke—14 minutes</p> <p>Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—14 minutes</p> </blockquote> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Thursday</strong></p> <p>Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this eighth week run 10 x 50-yard strides at half speed, pulling a tire with 15 to 20 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 5 x 100-yard strides.</p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-72749638203780294542011-01-17T13:29:00.001-06:002011-01-17T13:31:15.453-06:00A Dream<div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:3a78eeb0-876f-40e1-a09e-bccbf54d9c13" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="2e2dfcbb-794c-4df1-bb44-bd12c3d17170" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TTSYnQ5WsgI/AAAAAAAAAqo/024VutbXFuY/videoecd07dda9cfc%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('2e2dfcbb-794c-4df1-bb44-bd12c3d17170'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/PbUtL_0vAJk&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/PbUtL_0vAJk&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-11936555368329408372011-01-17T00:37:00.001-06:002011-01-17T01:00:55.701-06:00THE GAME Gear: Motorola ATRIX 4G<p>With dual-core 1 GHz NVIDIA Tegra processors and 1GB of DDR2 RAM on board, the Motorola ATRIX is the most powerful smartphone on the market. Taking advantage of all this processing power, Motorola has positioned the ATRIX, running on Android 2.2 Froyo, as a mobile device with PC power; integrating the functionalities of a PC and a smartphone seamlessly into one device. </p> <p>The fun really begins when connecting the ATRIX to an optional docking station or a laptop dock powered by the phone itself. Via its Webtop app, the ATRIX can turn into a PC that runs a true desktop Firefox browser and Flash 10:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:22ee9370-dca1-4c03-9246-7bd7b33f868f" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="57aeaff7-0c32-4d77-893a-d24bd814677a" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCM8SNcqiXA" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TTPouRoy0NI/AAAAAAAAAqc/vGITxUKLuPo/videoe6b1e40ff4f1%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('57aeaff7-0c32-4d77-893a-d24bd814677a'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/jCM8SNcqiXA&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/jCM8SNcqiXA&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>Motorola has been receiving a ton of positive buzz after it unveiled the ATRIX at the CES last week and rightly so. But, it is baffling to me that Motorola would release this beautiful device exclusively through AT&T, a carrier who has struggled with service and connection issues—real and perceived (ask anyone who has an iPhone or any phone on the AT&T network for that matter). Gadget geeks will likely flock to the stores, in spite of the carrier, in order to be one of the first to get their hands on an ATRIX (I’m already counting down the days until I see the first unboxing video on YouTube). Who knows if the joy found in the user experience will be overshadowed by the frustration that may come with using AT&T’s network. I would love to get my hands on an ATRIX on <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/motorola-atrix-hitting-march-1st-according-to-atandt-document-lea/" target="_blank">March 1</a>, but at the cost of several hundred dollars and a two year contract, I think I’ll safely stand on the sidelines until I know AT&T has got their act together. </p> <p>I hope they do.</p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-17864632928419412792010-11-14T23:18:00.001-06:002011-04-13T18:48:54.616-05:00THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen, Week Seven<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TODDDmZY-nI/AAAAAAAAAoE/ysdT6djwviI/s1600-h/herschel%20walker%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="herschel walker" alt="herschel walker" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TODDD6HYDgI/AAAAAAAAAoI/zF2ZjJID1J0/herschel%20walker_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="275" /></a> </p> <p>Here is week seven of Herschel Walker’s recommended advanced training regimen from his book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385265042/ref=nosim?tag=tg08a-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549">Herschel Walker’s Basic Training</a>.</em></p> <p><a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/12/game-training-herschel-walkers-training.html" target="_blank">Week One</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/01/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Two</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/03/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Three</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/05/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Four</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/08/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Five</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/10/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Six</a></p> <p><strong>THE ADVANCED PROGRAM</strong></p> <p><strong>WEEK SEVEN: Monday, Friday—Morning Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 14 minutes.</p> <p>Karate:</p> <blockquote> <p>Straight punch—42 per arm</p> <p>Groin strike—42 per arm</p> <p>Open-hand strike to face—42 per arm</p> <p>Roundhouse kick—42 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the midsection—42 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the head—42 per leg</p> <p>Sliding back kick—42 per leg</p> </blockquote> <p>Agility:</p> <blockquote> <p>Squat thrust—50</p> <p>Sideways box hop—65</p> <p>Backward and forward box hop—65</p> <p>Half-turn—65</p> </blockquote> <p>Push-ups: 130 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 130 have been done. Make sure you experiment with different heights to change the resistance.</p> <p>Sit-ups: 160 total. Again add weight if needed.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 4 minutes.</p> <p>Weight training:</p> <blockquote> <p>Power pull—1 x10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Crunch—110</p> <p>Twisting sit-up—90</p> </blockquote> <p>Basketball: 45 minutes</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Wednesday</strong></p> <p>Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoon. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:</p> <p>Weight training:</p> <blockquote> <p>Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Chin—1 x 10, 3 x 5 with added weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% of target</p> <p>Weighted sit-up—4 x 25</p> <p>Leg raise—110</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 6 minutes.</p> <p>Sprinting: 2 x 440-yard strides (half speed). 2 x 300-yard strides (three-quarter speed). 2 x 200-yard strides. 2 x 110-yard sprints.</p> <p>Hill running: 9 x 30-yard strides (half to three-quarter speed).</p> <p>Dumbbell runs: 5 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.</p> <p>Rope skipping: 15 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Karate:</p> <blockquote> <p>Straight punch—42 per arm</p> <p>Groin strike—42 per arm</p> <p>Open-hand strike to face—42 per arm</p> <p>Roundhouse kick—42 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the midsection—42 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the head—42 per leg</p> <p>Sliding back kick—42 per leg</p> </blockquote> <blockquote></blockquote> <p>Basketball: 45 minutes.</p> <p>Water work:</p> <blockquote> <p>Run in water—14 minutes</p> <p>Water karate (kicks and punches)—14 minutes</p> <p>Modified breast stroke—14 minutes</p> <p>Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—14 minutes</p> </blockquote> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Thursday</strong></p> <p>Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this seventh week run 9 x 50-yard strides at half speed, pulling a tire with 15 to 20 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 5 x 100-yard strides.</p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-38319870454305071982010-10-26T12:26:00.001-05:002010-12-04T05:14:34.139-06:00G.3 Scenarios: Kobe Bryant, Basketball, Football and Nodes in Between<p><img src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTfmR_z-8PE09a1IkC_ToY0fCrG6JOqKqCLRnqTlWNx_YixS3c&t=1&usg=__xzDd8Td8-WhtX3jW7YeodsnVNMw=" width="350" height="263" /></p> <p>When <a href="http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/" target="_blank">Kobe Bryant</a> was six years old, his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, moved the family to Italy to begin playing professional basketball. It was during these formative years in Italy that Kobe Bryant played football and basketball. When his father retired in 1991, Bryant’s family moved back to the United States, but his passion for football remained.</p> <p>As a young fan of <a href="http://www.acmilan.com/en" target="_blank">AC Milan</a>, Bryant had aspirations of being a professional football player; even claiming that if his family had stayed in Italy, he would have chosen professional football over professional basketball. He remarked to the Milan sports daily, La Gazzetta dello Sport, during this summer’s World Cup in South Africa:</p> <blockquote> <p><strong><font size="4">“</font></strong>I love soccer since the time I was a boy. From when I lived in Italy and supported AC Milan. Dreaming one day to be Marco Van Basten, one day Diego Maradona and one day Roberto Baggio<font size="5">.”</font></p> </blockquote> <p>Byrant has more than just a passing appreciation of football and after these many years, he still feels at home on the pitch and with the football at his feet: </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:cb248cb4-1dd4-4228-954a-e27034aad3e5" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="9e1b57b3-93a4-4cc4-967a-69039b271898" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-vxaWF5aZs" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TPoimUzKriI/AAAAAAAAAoo/nC_lB54BSrs/videoae4c3f181885%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('9e1b57b3-93a4-4cc4-967a-69039b271898'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/u-vxaWF5aZs&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/u-vxaWF5aZs&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <br /> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The 2010 NBA season begins tonight and there have been lingering concerns about Bryant’s surgically repaired left knee throughout this offseason. If Bryant could remain relatively healthy through the upcoming season and if he could endure a rigorous football training regimen, his size and athleticism would be an ideal template for a football goalie, backline defender or a forward on set pieces. </p> <p>If Bryant was in his prime, it is likely that he could have played a center forward position given his athletic and attacking style of play; a style of play that has been very successful for him on a much smaller playing field—the basketball court.</p> <p>Assuming that we have a Kobe Bryant in his prime, the thought of his potential role as a <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/09/first-basic-game-formations-circa-1999.html" target="_blank">defenseman (D) or forward (F)</a> in a blended football-basketball <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/01/game-distilled.html" target="_blank">G node</a> or a as transitional <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/10/first-basic-game-formations-circa.html" target="_blank">wing playmaker (W)</a> between football and basketball nodes is tantalizing. </p> <p>As a defenseman, Bryant, who is already an elite defender in the NBA, could fit in well is as a backline defender who can quickly counter and lead an offensive attack in a <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/09/first-basic-game-formations-circa-1999.html" target="_blank">defense-offense transition formation</a> (the middle of the three different formation modules bracketed in the diagram below). Given that Bryant’s main sport requires quick bursts of offense to defense and vice versa, his transition as a defender into an offensive catalyst in the defense-offense transition formations would be a relatively easy adjustment to make. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TMcPMwGIc3I/AAAAAAAAAmM/Qi6fcXc2TEc/s1600-h/GAMEBlueFormation126.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="GAMEBlueFormation12" alt="GAMEBlueFormation12" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TMcPNd3BbZI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/vKt1ovvT4P8/GAMEBlueFormation12_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="454" /></a></p> <p>As a forward in the defense-offense transition formation in a blended G node, Bryant could slot into the left or right wings since he possesses the requisite skill set: very good speed, length, strength, long shooting range, passing and decision-making ability, and a strong defensive presence.</p> <p>As a transitional wing player linking two or more nodes (football and basketball in this example) that are not completely blended but exist in two separate forms simultaneously, Bryant could transition into and out of football and basketball in some of the following ways: </p> <ol> <li>Shots made from specific spots on the basketball court could activate football set pieces for Bryant or another player to take during the next pause in football and basketball action. </li> <li>Long distance shots made from specific spots on the basketball court could award the football team on the same GAME team a man advantage on the pitch for a short finite period of time; much like man advantages in ice hockey. </li> <li>A G.3-designed field with a basketball court side by side with a football pitch would allow Bryant to concentrate on his basketball assignments while providing additional zonal marking on the pitch when he is in the corresponding basketball court-football pitch areas (by crossing over the sidelines and freely traversing into and out of the two fields of play as needed). </li> </ol> <p>Elite G.3 performers must excel in multiple individual nodes while at the same time have the flexibility to excel in G nodes that link or blend two or more nodes together. Kobe Bryant may not be the young man he was half a decade ago, but his versatility, athleticism, intelligent play and competitive makeup continues to secure his status as one of the NBA’s and G.3’s elite.</p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-52337170510109718262010-10-12T22:32:00.001-05:002011-01-21T10:38:22.382-06:00THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen, Week Six<p><img src="http://mmafrenzy.com/files/2010/01/Herschel-Walker.jpg" width="450" height="297" /></p> <p>Here is week six of Herschel Walker’s recommended advanced training regimen from his book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385265042/ref=nosim?tag=tg08a-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549" target="_blank">Herschel Walker’s Basic Training</a>.</em></p> <p><a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/12/game-training-herschel-walkers-training.html" target="_blank">Week One</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/01/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Two</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/03/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Three</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/05/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Four</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/08/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Five</a></p> <p><strong>THE ADVANCED PROGRAM</strong></p> <p><strong>WEEK SIX: Monday, Friday—Morning Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 30 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 13 minutes.</p> <p>Karate:</p> <blockquote> <p>Straight punch—40 per arm</p> <p>Groin strike—40 per arm</p> <p>Open-hand strike to face—40 per arm</p> <p>Roundhouse kick—40 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the midsection—40 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the head—40 per leg</p> <p>Sliding back kick—40 per leg</p> </blockquote> <p>Agility:</p> <blockquote> <p>Squat thrust—50</p> <p>Sideways box hop—60</p> <p>Backward and forward box hop—60</p> <p>Half-turn—60</p> </blockquote> <p>Push-ups: 125 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 125 have been done. If these are too easy, elevate your feet at least 8 inches.</p> <p>Sit-ups: 150 total. Again add weight if needed.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 4 minutes.</p> <p>Weight training:</p> <blockquote> <p>Power pull—1 x10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Crunch—105</p> <p>Twisting sit-up—85 </p> </blockquote> <p>Basketball: 45 minutes</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Wednesday</strong></p> <p>Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoon. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:</p> <p>Weight training:</p> <blockquote> <p>Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Chin—1 x 10, 3 x 5 with added weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Weighted sit-up—4 x 25</p> <p>Leg raise—100</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds. </p> <p>Jogging: 6 minutes.</p> <p>Sprinting: 1 x 880-yard stride (quarter to half speed). 2 x 440-yard strides (half speed). 2 x 300-yard strides (three-quarter speed). 2 x 200-yard sprints.</p> <p>Hill running: 8 x 40-yard strides (half speed).</p> <p>Dumbbell runs: 5 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.</p> <p>Rope skipping: 15 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Karate:</p> <blockquote> <p>Straight punch—40 per arm</p> <p>Groin strike—40 per arm</p> <p>Open-hand strike to face—40 per arm</p> <p>Roundhouse kick—40 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the midsection—40 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the head—40 per leg</p> <p>Sliding back kick—40 per leg</p> </blockquote> <blockquote></blockquote> <p>Basketball: 45 minutes.</p> <p>Water work:</p> <blockquote> <p>Run in water—14 minutes</p> <p>Water karate (kicks and punches)—14 minutes</p> <p>Modified breast stroke—14 minutes</p> <p>Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—14 minutes</p> </blockquote> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Thursday</strong></p> <p>Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this sixth week run 8 x 50-yard strides at half speed, pulling a tire with 12 to 15 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 1 x 200-yard stride at half to three-quarter speed and 4 x 100-yard strides.</p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-18151207392983986092010-08-24T22:17:00.001-05:002010-08-24T22:17:31.998-05:00THE GAME Gear: RIM Blackberry Torch 9800<p>In an effort to gain market share in the popular touch-screen smartphone market, RIM’s response to the market leader Apple iPhone and Motorola’s recent line of well-received Android phones is the Blackberry Torch. </p> <p>Perhaps learning from the lackluster response received by the Blackberry Storm, RIM’s first foray into the touch-screen smartphone market, notable changes in the Blackberry Torch include the incorporation of RIM’s iconic QWERTY keyboard as a slide-out keyboard, the new Blackberry OS 6 and a WebKit browser. So how does the Torch’s features and performance stack up with the other phones in its class? <a href="http://www.phonearena.com/htmls/RIM-BlackBerry-Torch-9800-Review-review-r_2498.html" target="_blank">PhoneArena</a> presents a video review of the new RIM Blackberry Torch 9800. </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:c21890c0-4e3f-4a2f-8665-57d88cde3a00" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="7ab8aeb9-145c-43c4-872c-a33b31f8fdb3" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHnW7Dt1bcI?fs=1&hl=en_US" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/THSLS1IRPXI/AAAAAAAAAlc/qy4WF512Su4/videob88685336907%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('7ab8aeb9-145c-43c4-872c-a33b31f8fdb3'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/xHnW7Dt1bcI?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/xHnW7Dt1bcI?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-1322176654030416692010-08-22T22:57:00.001-05:002011-04-14T21:57:38.137-05:00THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen, Week Five<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/THHzHOR4fzI/AAAAAAAAAlM/dHEDDSzjA6o/s1600-h/herschel%20walker%20MMA2%5B22%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="herschel walker MMA2" alt="herschel walker MMA2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/THHzHTCa_qI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/TPVWtQM0JE0/herschel%20walker%20MMA2_thumb%5B16%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>Here is week five of Herschel Walker’s recommended advanced training regimen from his book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385265042/ref=nosim?tag=tg08a-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549" target="_blank">Herschel Walker’s Basic Training</a>.</em></p> <p><a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/12/game-training-herschel-walkers-training.html" target="_blank">Week One</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/01/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Two</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/03/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Three</a> | <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2010/05/game-training-herschel-walkers-advanced.html" target="_blank">Week Four</a></p> <p><strong>THE ADVANCED PROGRAM</strong></p> <p><strong>WEEK FIVE: Monday, Friday—Morning Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 30 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 12 minutes.</p> <p>Karate:</p> <blockquote> <p>Straight punch—38 per arm</p> <p>Groin strike—38 per arm</p> <p>Open-hand strike to face—38 per arm</p> <p>Roundhouse kick—38 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the midsection—38 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the head—38 per leg</p> <p>Sliding back kick—38 per leg</p> </blockquote> <p>Agility:</p> <blockquote> <p>Squat thrust—45</p> <p>Sideways box hop—55</p> <p>Backward and forward box hop—55</p> <p>Half-turn—55</p> </blockquote> <p>Push-ups: 120 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 120 have been done. If these are too easy, elevate your feet at least 8 inches.</p> <p>Sit-ups: 140 total. Again add weight if needed.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Jogging: 4 minutes.</p> <p>Weight training:</p> <blockquote> <p>Power pull—1 x10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Crunch—100 </p> <p>Twisting sit-up—80 </p> </blockquote> <p>Basketball: 40 minutes</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Wednesday</strong></p> <p>Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoon. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:</p> <p>Weight training:</p> <blockquote> <p>Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Chin—1 x 10, 3 x 5 with added weight</p> <p>Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 5 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 3 x 10 target weight, 1 x 10 with 70% target</p> <p>Weighted sit-up—4 x 20</p> <p>Leg raise—90</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds. </p> <p>Jogging: 6 minutes.</p> <p>Sprinting: 2 x 880-yard strides (quarter to half speed). 2 x 440-yard strides (half speed). 2 x 300-yard strides (three-quarter speed). 1 x 200-yard sprint.</p> <p>Hill running: 7 x 40-yard strides (half speed).</p> <p>Dumbbell runs: 5 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.</p> <p>Rope skipping: 14 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session</strong></p> <p>Warm-ups: 35 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.</p> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p>Karate:</p> <blockquote> <p>Straight punch—38 per arm</p> <p>Groin strike—38 per arm</p> <p>Open-hand strike to face—38 per arm</p> <p>Roundhouse kick—38 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the midsection—38 per leg</p> <p>Front snap kick to the head—38 per leg</p> <p>Sliding back kick—38 per leg</p> </blockquote> <blockquote></blockquote> <p>Basketball: 45 minutes.</p> <p>Water work:</p> <blockquote> <p>Run in water—14 minutes</p> <p>Water karate (kicks and punches)—14 minutes</p> <p>Modified breast stroke—14 minutes</p> <p>Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—14 minutes</p> </blockquote> <p>Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.</p> <p><strong>Thursday</strong></p> <p>Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this fifth week run 7 x 50-yard strides at half speed, pulling a tire with 12 to 15 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 2 x 200-yard strides at half to three-quarter speed and 3 x 100-yard strides.</p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-9999430935874546462010-08-14T23:37:00.001-05:002010-08-14T23:43:06.863-05:00THE GAME Gear: Motorola DROID X vs. Apple iPhone 4<p><a href="http://www.phonearena.com/htmls/Motorola-DROID-X-vs.-Apple-iPhone-4-review-r_2475.html" target="_blank">PhoneArena</a> presents a thorough video comparison of the new Motorola DROID X and Apple’s hot iPhone 4. For a comprehensive comparison and analysis of the hardware and the performance of the DROID X and iPhone 4 <a href="http://www.phonearena.com/htmls/Motorola-DROID-X-vs.-Apple-iPhone-4-review-r_2475.html" target="_blank">go here</a>.</p> <p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:1e7f524d-5240-44e7-ab9c-f3a8e3feb1d7" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="be086d82-7ab6-4804-a12e-50cef7e8c6c5" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goIphYCVVHc?fs=1&hl=en_US" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TGdvJV6hezI/AAAAAAAAAk0/ORchx1YSCVg/video34bd4728373e%5B12%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('be086d82-7ab6-4804-a12e-50cef7e8c6c5'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/goIphYCVVHc?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/goIphYCVVHc?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div></p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-70238007376801690752010-07-21T00:11:00.001-05:002010-07-21T00:22:58.746-05:00"I'm the fittest man in the world!" That may be. But why does Rob Powell have zero to show for it? Because the previous title holder cornered the market. And hired great lawyers<p><font size="1">by David Kushner, </font><a href="http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1608/is_12_19/?tag=content;col1" target="_blank"><font size="1">Men’s Fitness, December 2003</font></a></p> <p><a href="http://worldfitnesschampion.ning.com/" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="WFCWORLDFITNESSCLUB" border="0" alt="WFCWORLDFITNESSCLUB" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TEaBZUP8DzI/AAAAAAAAAkY/xqt0qk89ckI/WFCWORLDFITNESSCLUB%5B23%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="251" /></a> </p> <p>"Come on upstairs!" says <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coach_Rob_Powell" target="_blank">Rob Powell</a>, as he jumps from his red pickup truck. "I want to show you my injuries!" Despite having just cycled 25 miles around Waco, Texas, run seven, climbed five, worked out at two gyms, benched, curled, squatthrusted, practiced martial arts, eaten a dozen chicken sticks, and masked his sweat with several blasts of cologne. Powell explodes up the steps to his apartment door.</p> <p>He bolts past the giant black dog yapping inside his cluttered living room and grabs his digital video camera, pre-cued to footage of the pancake-size blood tumor he suffered after a spill on the 500-mile cycling tour he took to film his documentary <em>2wice Broken</em>. "Wait till you see this bruise! It looks like a third butt cheek!" Powell cackles, angling the tiny screen. "You want a list of my injuries? I dislocated my shoulder, separated my hip. I had a concussion the entire summer!"</p> <p><u>After twice breaking the fitness record in the Guiness Book of World Records, the 42-year-old is on a mission to create an insane new sport built around his superhuman feats</u>. "I'm craaaaaazy about it," he drawls in his southern accent. And as the videotape of his wounds will attest, he just might be whacked out enough to pull it off. Powell is the self-described World Fitness Champion. He used to call himself the World's Fittest Man until he got a cease-and-desist letter from the lawyers of another strangely fit fella named Joe Decker. Decker told MF by phone that Powell's claim is bogus. "He didn't break my record," Decker sniffs. "He broke a different record." Decker trademarked the title after he broke the Guinness fitness record in 2000. Powell retorts by pointing out the two Guinness certificates that hang on his wall opposite the Coors Light bar sign and the Jenny McCarthy collage. "There's my proof right there" he sighs.</p> <p>If you want to become the fittest man on the planet, here's what you need to do: swim two miles, cycle 110, row 20, run 12, hike 12, row 20, climb 20 (on that much-hated elliptical machine), crank out 1,250 push-ups, 1,250 leg lifts, 1,250 jumping jacks, and 3,250 abdominal crunches. Then you must lift 300,000 pounds of weights in various upper-body reps. And it all has to be done in under 19 hours, 17 minutes, and 38 seconds--Powell's time. And if you don't have three credible witnesses and a of video cameras documenting every groan, pop, and tear, Guinness won't even consider your record.</p> <p><strong>Those Before Him</strong></p> <p>The first guy to inflict torture on himself in the name of fitness was Steve Sokol, a physical therapist from San-Jose who set the benchmark in 1998 for what Guinness subsequently called the 24-Hour Fitness Challenge. Despite his notable achievement, however, Sokol wasn't splashy enough to be pictured in the Book of World Records alongside the world's heaviest beetroot (it was 52 pounds) or the fat guy who had to be buried in a coffin the size of a piano case (he was 1,069 pounds). But Sokol's conquest caught the attention of a blubbery Joe Decker, a 33-year-old former bartender in Maryland. Decker was heading for a baby-grand-size tomb of his own. He hadn't always been in such sorry shape, though. Decker was once a powerhouse fullback in high school on the fast track to college ball. During a game, he took a hard hit below the knee, causing anterior compartment syndrome--a painful injury that, instead of breaking the leg, causes it to hang and rot like a hunk of dead jerky. Decker drowned his sorrows in Twinkies and beer. Unable to afford college, he joined the military, which sent this former football star straight into the fat-boy program. "It was humiliating," he says.</p> <p>Dreams squashed, Decker ended up in New Orleans, mixing Hurricanes at a Bourbon Street bar and subsisting on another great diet: Jagermeister and cigars. "I was on a vicious roller coaster" he recalls, "It was the pit of hell. I was either going to make a change or I was going to kill myself." After one long look in the mirror, he got on a plane back to Illinois and hit the ground running--and biking. "Fitness filled a void," he says. "It saved my life."</p> <p>On December 2, 2000, under the watchful eyes of a video crew and two Guinness-approved judges, Decker broke Sokol's record in the 24-Hour Fitness Challenge. In a nonstop rush, he completed 13 grueling events, including 100 miles of cycling, 3,000 abdominal crunches, and lifting 278,540 pounds. A warm-up for what Powell would bring on in the future. The media ate up the redemptive story of fat boy turned fit boy, bestowing upon Decker the sexy title of World's Fittest Man. Sensing opportunity, his handlers suggested he trademark the name. From his appearances on the Weakest Link to the pages of People magazine, Decker artfully milked his story to touch the inner lard-ass lurking inside every adult. "If this fat kid can become the world's fittest man" Decker is fond of saying, "then you can lose 10 pounds!" After undergoing a transformation from the Today show's token tubby to thin man with disturbing leftover jowls, Al Roker called Decker "my hero." This January, Decker is coming out with his first book, The World's Fittest You. The trademark is paying off. "I didn't do all this for the press and publicity," he says, "but I'm not going to lie. It's been nice. Before this, I couldn't pay people to listen to me."</p> <p>Down in Waco, Rob Powell heard Decker on TV blabbing on and raking in the press. And he had one response about the Fat Boy Wonder: "I'm going to bury him."</p> <p><strong>Running Away With It</strong></p> <p>"Ordinarily, I’d kick toward you testicles," Powell explains, as he steadies my palm in the air before me, "but right now, I'll do it into your hand." We're standing in a narrow hallway in the back of a splashy Gold's Gym. Powell does his calisthenics here but saves his heavy lifting for the Olympic--a bare-bones gym next to a Christian youth center in a rundown strip mall. At the moment, a pair of enormous women waddle into two tanning rooms labeled Jamaica and Bahamas. Crew-cut students in backward Baylor caps curl to No Doubt. Despite their occasional furtive glances at the warrior with Bruce Lee feet, they don't have to worry about him kicking their sacs by mistake. I do. Powell skillfully swings his foot millimeters from my hand. One thing is clear: He's a wild man, but a professional, too.</p> <p>The son of cattle ranchers, Powell grew up rustling cows outside Dallas. "We were cowboys" he says, "the real deal." A high school track star, he rode a wave of college scholarships--attending seven universities (including one he got booted from for spending too much time in the cheerleaders' dorm). After graduating, he coached high school football at a variety of Texas schools, getting sacked from one for making the kids carry a giant log--Navy SEALs-style. He supplemented his income as a professional bodyguard (or, as he calls it, "hired muscle").</p> <p>But dreams of stardom went unfulfilled. He tried out as a quarterback for a couple of Arena football teams, only to be told he was too short and awkward. "One coach told me no one needed a left-handed Doug Flutie," he says. When he saw a Guinness show about the fitness record, he committed his life to stomping it into pieces.</p> <p>Powell rabidly intensified his already active regimen. Before work (he was a high school history teacher), he'd wake at the crack of dawn to go running along the Brazos River with his favorite training partner and dog, Wolf. He diversified his workout, incorporating cycling, hiking, and the elliptical machine. He tormented himself day and night at the thought of snatching the title from Decker, who he thought squirreled his way into the record books. "He took advantage of the judges" Powell snaps. "He wasn't doing proper push-ups or high enough leg lifts."</p> <p>Then at noon on October 27, 2001, Powell attacked Decker's record like chops to the 'nads. Cheered on by buddies from his gym and his students, he leapt into his local pool to begin. With duct-taped feet, and a backpack full of M&Ms and infant rehydration formula, Powell hit his workout--blurring through 12 miles of running, 110 of biking, 3,250 sit-ups, and more. And, he adds, his push-ups were kosher. Twenty-two hours, 11 minutes, and 40 seconds later, he was the new world-record holder.</p> <p>For good measure, and just to spit in everyone's face, he crushed his own record the following year.</p> <p><strong>The Not-So Good Life</strong></p> <p>As we head over to the recumbent bicycles at the gym, Powell says all his physical and mental suffering brings him nearer to fulfilling his dream. "I'm part Native American," he explains, "and for me, nothing gets you closer to your visions than intense exercise." And the image in Powell's mind's eye is his World Fitness Championships, or, as he calls it, "the ultimate extreme sport."</p> <p>Other fitness competitions pale in comparison, he says. Ironman is chump stuff. "Everybody's grandmother can do a triathlon" he scoffs. Strongman competitions are pure vaudeville. The World Fitness Championships, on the other hand, are designed to be a ball-busting challenge, but one to which an ordinary dude at any neighborhood gym can aspire. The event has modified the Guinness criteria to include some of Powell's own inventions--such as Pop-Ups, a combination push-up, squat thrust, and jumping jack designed to eliminate cheat-prone events like ordinary push-ups.</p> <p>"It's going to test my limits" says Merl Wolff, a 45-year-old Navy diver, one of the six competitors who signed up for the inaugural World Fitness Championships. (The event took place last month, and though the outcome was unknown at press time, MF put its money on, uh, Powell.) "My goal is just to finish," he says. Justin Hua, a ripped 17-year-old high school wrestler, has higher aspirations. "I want to show people how tough this is" he says, "and I want to turn this into a big new sport."</p> <p>As Powell finishes his workout, however, the biggest challenge of launching the sport might be simply convincing guys to enter a competition he says will easily take three months to recover from. On the walk out, he stops a young guy who apparently has been mulling over the possibility of entering the event. "So, what do you say?" Powell asks. "You can do it!" The guy pulls out his iPod earbuds and says, "No way, dude. You've got to be crazy." Powell snickers but doesn't argue.</p> <p>As usual, he has about a million other things on his mind. Despite the fact that only six people have signed up for his first event, Powell says it's only a matter of time before the sport goes mainstream. And he's going to do whatever it takes to get there. He's taken leave of his teaching job to dedicate all his energy to the championships. He's spent $20,000 on ill-fated promotional events and is $60,000 in debt. There are no morning shows. No book deals. No hokey game-show debuts. There is his low-budget Web site, where Powell sells ball caps and T-shirts. And there's a toll number where he sells the <em>2wice Broken</em> videos. Tonight he's going to stay up until 2 a.m., just like he did last night, exchanging e-mails with lawyers he can't afford who are battling to protect his trademark, the <a href="http://worldfitnesschampion.net/index.htm" target="_blank">World Fitness Championships</a>.</p> <p>"I don't care if someone becomes the next World Fitness Champion" Powell says, "but this is my sport now, I own it."</p> <p>As Decker likes to remind Powell from afar, there's still only one World's Fittest Man. "He can be the Workout King of the World," he suggests sarcastically.</p> <p>But Powell shrugs it off. He's a machine on a mission. And though the world hasn't caught on yet, he knows exactly who he is: "I'm the champion. Now let me get a pen and write down my injuries for you!"</p> <p>COPYRIGHT 2003 Weider Publications </p> <p>COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning</p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-50967103894894426492010-06-16T00:58:00.001-05:002010-06-18T14:54:35.254-05:00The Chicago CubsWhiteSoxBlackhawks<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TBhoDWvldMI/AAAAAAAAAkE/7HTUr5hvlkU/s1600-h/Blackhawks%20Cubs%20Sox%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Blackhawks Cubs Sox" alt="Blackhawks Cubs Sox" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TBhoD9CQ8TI/AAAAAAAAAkI/4yIndc5ucxo/Blackhawks%20Cubs%20Sox_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="222" /></a> </p> <p>This past weekend, the <a href="http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=chc" target="_blank">Cubs</a> and <a href="http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=cws" target="_blank">White Sox</a> played the first half of their annual home and away Crosstown Classic at Wrigley Field. Since both Chicago teams have struggled mightily this season, much of the city’s attention was focused on the magical Stanley Cup run of the <a href="http://blackhawks.nhl.com/" target="_blank">Blackhawks</a>.</p> <p>On Sunday, with red and white hockey sweaters interspersed with the blue and black jerseys in the stands, the Blackhawks were honored before the game (which also featured two no-hit bids into the seventh inning by the Cubs’ <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=150404" target="_blank">Ted Lilly</a> and White Sox’ <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=425856" target="_blank">Gavin Floyd</a>). The highlight had to be when all three teams posed for a picture around the Stanley Cup. It was a notably gracious gesture by the Blackhawks to let Cubs pitcher <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=133225" target="_blank">Ryan Dempster</a>, a Canadian and a huge hockey fan, pose next to the Cup.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TBhoEAdcv3I/AAAAAAAAAj8/SvY3ksPXgW0/s1600-h/Dempster%20Blackhawks%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Dempster Blackhawks" alt="Dempster Blackhawks" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TBhoGFpQ8fI/AAAAAAAAAkA/BxnQ_w6CU_s/Dempster%20Blackhawks_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>When I first saw this picture, I wondered if three professional teams from at least two different sports have ever posed together on the same field wearing their uniforms. </p> <p>It also made me think about the ways in which baseball and ice hockey could blend or at least link in deft ways (for example, starting points could include the catcher behind the plate who may need similar skill sets in stopping an errant pitch in the dirt as a hockey goalie would in stopping a low shot on net). <a href="http://aboutthegame.blogspot.com/2009/09/navigating-nodes-and-zones-in-game.html" target="_blank">Blending or linking two entirely different sports</a> or nodes like baseball and ice hockey, played on two diametrically opposed surfaces, could be challenging, but the possibilities are nonetheless endless.</p> <p>Feel free to <a href="http://theideaboard.freeforums.org/creating-the-chicago-blackhawks-cubs-white-sox-t40.html" target="_blank">share any of your ideas about building the Chicago Blackhawks-Cubs-White Sox or linking or blending baseball and ice hockey</a>. </p> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4937981094599165687.post-40281686403408372392010-06-16T00:02:00.001-05:002010-06-16T00:02:25.593-05:00THE GAME Gear: HTC Evo 4G Review<p>Courtesy of <a href="http://www.phonearena.com/htmls/HTC-EVO-4G-Review-review-r_2450.html" target="_blank">PhoneArena.com</a>, a review of the new HTC Evo 4G which features 4G connectivity, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, HDMI out, HD video capture, dual cameras including an 8 megapixel main sensor and a giant 4.3-inch touchscreen. The Evo 4G runs Android 2.1 with HTC's Sense UI on top.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:f1ef9dc4-57df-452e-89ff-79796686ff30" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="e656dad8-4b23-47b6-9617-4c00a929050b" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucJ6ULMFo9E&hl=en_US&fs=1&" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gbdZsO3G5kc/TBha4GlDjdI/AAAAAAAAAjw/7bI2K-E4Rg8/video44ce3321ed08%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('e656dad8-4b23-47b6-9617-4c00a929050b'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ucJ6ULMFo9E&hl=en_US&fs=1&&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ucJ6ULMFo9E&hl=en_US&fs=1&&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> BlueToothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349723304866225337noreply@blogger.com