Uuuggggghhh! These guys are all over the place. They put on a little weight and nothing fits or feels good anymore. Then, they decide that if they can’t look thinner they can at least feel thinner. so now they buy there shirts too big and end up looking like this. No matter what your shape, buy a shirt that closely fits your torso. All the extra fabric looks ridiculous and is only hiding the comments from everyone else about you.
Cris
This is a pet peeve of mine. If your collar is too tight it looks uncomfortable and if you’re wearing it you must be uncomfortable. You can’t hide it so make sure you buy a shirt that fits right around the neckline. Here’s a good rule of thumb. If you can get one finger between your neck and the collar you have it right. If you can get two fingers in the shirts too big. We’ve all seen the kid wearing his dads clothes and how silly he looks trying to be a grown up, can you see yourself looking like this in a smaller way but still? Buy a shirt that fits!
Cris
Here’s a list of options for you to consider when looking to buy a dress shirt. If you’re like me too many options are sometimes a bad thing. I like to keep things simple and easy but still look like I care enough to matter. Here is the collar you can’t go wrong with: the semispread. It’s not too fashion-forward, not too conservative. It works with every kind of suit, every kind of tie. You can’t go wrong. This type of collar is made by just about everyone so go ahead and pick up several if you have the opportunity.
Cris
To change or not to change? A question of the ages. What if change meant, upgrading and updating while remaining classically perfect? Enter into the picture, Zelli – Made in Italy, quality footwear from the Tuscany region. Your solution for upgrading and updating, classically with style.
At a glance, it could be obvious (sorry for being so presumptuous) that Zelli footwear is produced in Tuscany. After all, the visual presentation of texture and style can’t go unnoticed. Every pair of Zelli footwear is crafted with the intention that the owner (that’s you) appreciates quality and classic style. From exotic crocodile and ostrich skins to supple calf leather, you will feel the quality and workmanship the moment your feet are home in a pair.
Change is good. When it’s Zelli.
JL
Point guard Jeremy Lin has taken the basketball world by storm. “Linsanity” is in full effect after his 38-point outburst against Kobe’s Lakers. With Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Baron Davis out of the game, this undrafted Harvard grad is the sole force behind the Knicks’ recent wins. He’s sparked not only TV ratings but a slew of pun-filled phrases. Here’s our top 10 Jeremy Lin-inspired sayings.
10. Lin It To Win It!
A little corny, but we’ll take it if game-winning shots start showing up in his repertoire. Lin shot 8 for 24 on Sunday against the Minnesota Timberwolves but iced the game with a late free throw. More wins also increases the likelihood of people saying the Knicks are on a “linning” streak.
9. The Lin Crowd
Sell-outs at Madison Square Garden for basketball? You bet. Forbes.com reported that Lin’s play could restore relations between the MSG network and Time Warner Cable, which would bring New York Knicks basketball back to around 2.1 million cable subscribers.
8. Linsider
Could work as an alternative to D-Fence or make for a clever in-arena cocktail. Speaking of which, this Brooklyn restaurant will offer a free drink to anyone wearing a Jeremy Lin jersey through the end of the NBA season.
7. Lint Condition
This could work as a smooth play reference or link to the fact that he used to sleep on his brother’s couch (lint to mint?). A product of Palo Alto, Lin breaks down basketball stereotypes, which could be why he was overlooked in the first place.
6. Ooh, Ling (Ewing)
Arguably, Lin has inspired the most excitement around the Knicks organization since Patrick Ewing. This comparison is bound to happen come playoff time (well, maybe). Besides Spike Lee (who “thanked” Golden State Warriors coach Marc Jackson for letting Lin go) or the duels with the Miami Heat in the late ’90s, Lin is one of the most compelling things about New York basketball.
5. Linscrafters
Lin can shoot well, so don’t be surprised if you see this as a headline. He doesn’t have an eyeglasses endorsement deal (yet), but even before his recent outburst, Lin had been under contract with Nike since late 2010.
4. Linnin
The new Tebowing or a term to describe how he drapes (see what I did there?) over his opponent on defense? Either way, we’ll have to wait and see on this one. It could also just mean “winning.” Lin has spoken openly about his faith — he said he uses basketball for “God’s glory.”
3. Lin Time
Like Tim Tebow, expect Lin to be glorified for how he plays in the fourth quarter. That and the fact that Lin presents a huge globalization factor for the NBA brand. New York has the second largest population of Asian-Americans (1.6 million), after California. He may play in the New York market, but his reach is far greater.
2. Lin Man
This kid is the first NBA player to finish with at least 28 points and eight assists in his first NBA start in 30 years. The last player to achieve that feat? Isiah Thomas. Oh, and he’s the first American athlete of Chinese or Taiwanese descent in the NBA. College coaches (even the staff at Harvard, at first) didn’t like Lin’s slight frame.
1. Lin
This is a reference to the French word often seen at the end of films, “fin.” Lin’s last name alone signifies, hopefully, the “end” of his days of being overlooked on the bench as a third or fourth string player.
Eritrea is a tiny country about the size of Pennsylvania on Africa’s Red Sea Coast. You’ve probably never heard of it. In the nearly 70 years since its first declaration of independence, successive fights to break free from outside rule have ravaged the country. Border disputes are too numerous to name, there is a media blackout and gas prices are nearly $10 a gallon.
In short, it’s not the first place you would look for fashion.
But Eritrea’s colonial past is intimately connected to the Italians that governed it for five decades. Remnants of their obsession with style are immediately evident. Art deco buildings dot the capital’s downtown and cafes serving cappuccino abound.
There is, however, another piece of this style story that owes its existence to a single man: Luca Gnecchi Ruscone. A trip back to his grandfather’s old warehouse in the former colony unearthed a long-buried lot of sunglasses. And here in plain plastic is one of his rare finds.
UNIQUE LOOKS
L.G.R is an intersection of disparate worlds forever linked by a common history. It’s the refinement of the Riviera meets the colonial frontier. The Keren Sunglasses — a prime specimen from the family of 14 styles named after colonial-era cities on the African continent — derives its mystique from an almost unimaginable simplicity. Solid brown acetate encases two amber lenses that reinforce the vintage feel of the frame. There are no hardware or logos here — only effortless Italian style.
DURABILITY
Ruscone went back to the same manufacturers of the sunglasses his grandfather had. The original design is retained, but modern materials make these replicas nearly indestructible. Hinges on the arms allow them to be bent in either direction to prevent against breakage and provide comfort — not the most innovative improvement but a necessary one nonetheless. Here’s where things get interesting: The frame is made from super-flexible acetate that bends like rubber. And the lenses are crafted from tempered glass that’s built to handle scratches and stabs from a razor-sharp knife. It’s a helpful feature even in relatively quieter post-colonial times.
JL
We love suede! For me, wearing suede shoes or boots in the spring winter and fall is one of my favorite go-to looks because these things go with just about everything. Even if it’s a cool summer night – pull out a suede look.
There are a few issues with wearing suede during the rainy season, sure, but you’ll be willing to take that risk with this season’s best derbys, oxfords, bucks, and bluchers — all of which take the delicate textile and add woven texture, bright color, and tricked-out soles, as to draw all eyes downward. Especially if you add white jeans and some excellent socks, too.
I’m not a fan of white jeans or pants but in the right setting the looks screams and style. If your ever n doubt about a shoe to wear think about suede and watch what happens.
JM
The American man has been taught that he can wear denim anywhere, so long as said jeans are dark, unadorned, and named things like the “New Standard.” No offense to anyone who designs jeans but you probably have your going-out jeans already. This spring, add a medium-blue pair to your arsenal, to wear on Friday or Saturday. Repeat until they get even lighter, nearly disintegrating. They’ll be soft — just like the suede shoes, washed cotton shirts, and tees you’ll want to wear all season with them.
Spring 2012 looks are also about comfort and what’s ,ore comfortable than a pair of your favorite jeans. We always check the weather when thinking about getting dressed and looking good because being comfortable means more than just one thing. Many contributing factors make up the work “comfort” and weather is right near the top.
Shoes and boots can be worn in spring and summer but mainly shoes and sandals for hot weather. (To be honest, I’m not a sandals wearer because I don’t like my feet and if I don’t like them I don’t anyone else wants to look at them. Unless I’m boating or at the beach, I leave my sandals at home.)
JL
One of the best things about a fly-front raincoat is that they’re so lightweight and easy to pack. Even though fuel prices are going to challenge even the occasional traveler having a jacket that’s easy to pack is a great thing and will be useful for quite some time. They also instantly top off a look and make it more chic and modern. The single-breasted raincoat you see here doesn’t have a belt and all those military bells and whistles we’re all tired of, so they feel easier to pull off than a trench coat.
These jackets also come in a variety of shades from one color which I like because different shades is often what is more than a bad choice of colors. Grey, charcoal grey, light grey and light charcoal.
Awesome!
Take a look at a Tommy Ton street scene for shoes this spring. It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen such a wide variety of styles and trends in footwear. Argyle socks are reaching a pinnacle as dressier shoes come alive even on the weekends.
Mandy
Where’s the line drawn for distressed jeans?Hmmmm! Good question. Here’s the rule that I use and it works all the time. You should always dress just a little bit better than everyone else. Does that make sense? If you’re Steve Jobs, and I know you’re not, you can get away with wearing the black mock turtle neck, jeans and white sneakers no matter where you go. I figure that when you change the world in several areas and become a billionaire then you too can dress anyway you want. However, since you’re not Steve Jobs, you need to think about this.
So remember this – No matter where you go and no matter what the occasion always dress just a little bit better than you need to. This is a great habit to get into. For one you tell the host or the home owner you really care enough about the event and them to look good. For two, you will never have to worry about under dressing the occasion. And for three, people notice the little things and will give you respect.
That’s a simple one! A really nice charcoal grey or darker suit that fits well, is clean with polished shoes. Go in peace! This look will carry forward you for years. If you want to go with this suggestion save a little extra money and buy a better one than you’re thinking. Trust me!
Cris
I love Dennis Rodman but I think he is probably one of the strangest people ever or well, . . . he’s just strange and we’ll leave it at that. Now, mind you the defintion of strange is subjective but I think everyone will agree that Dennis Rodman is one of the best basketball players of all time to play under the basket and is an NBA hall of fame athlete but, since he retired he has led a bizarre life to say the least. He seems to get stranger with age.
Now he is recruiting beautiful women (strippers) in New York to play basketball topless. Seriously? Topless basketball? Ok! I should clarify. His team would be playing another team of topless women from a rival strip club in a charity game. Who wouldn’t want to watch topless women run up and down the court playing basketball? I have to say that I have been to clubs where women dance but I’m not sure that watching topless women playing basketball would really interest me. Actually, I have no interest in this at all.
I also have to question the so called yet to be named charity involved in this ridiculous publicity stunt. What charity would want their name associated with this? None that we would support.
I loved watching Dennis Rodman play basketball with the Bulls but this is down right stupid.
Cris
For years, the clean-cut man-boy was ruling the runway. Parted hair, waifish waist, skin smooth as a Botoxed three-year-old. Then a gritty crew in the late 90′s and into the 2000 rolled in and changed the game. With it, the beard invasion began. Whether we’re talking about a thick, irreverent Galifianakis or a jawline-amping mown lawn, a beard is just about the most on-trend accessory you can pull on this season. And while they look great on a beanie-and-cardigan-wearing gang like Fleet Foxes, they’re not just for dudes who dress down. “When a guy wears one with a suit, it’s just like, whoa is that sexy,” GQ fashion director Madeleine Weeks explains. “They give you this handsome, don’t-mess-with-me appeal. Just look at Jeff Bridges, Paul Newman, and Cat Stevens (pictured above). All icons who wore them well.” The key is not overanalyzing it. Nothing too manicured or manscaped. Nothing too wild and overgrown. You want to look like you’ve let go. A little, at least.—Andrew Richdale
However, wearing a beard wrong can be a terrible thing and send just about everyone the wrong message. Think George Michael or Tom Ford for
example. The trend he started carried a powerful message but it confused the style for quite some time. Their beards are perfect and they’ve become trade mark looks- and they have the looks and the facial features to pull it off.
“Beards show that you’re the independent type and possibly self-employed, seeing as how facial hair is frowned upon in certain uptight conformist corporations: the New York Yankees, for example. Consider Ben Roethlisberger. He made the mistake that many beard wearers commit: He shaved his neck almost up to the chin. Men think this always sharpens the outline of their face and even makes them look thinner. Wrong! This is the worst thing a guy with the slightest weight issue can do. The shaved neck makes you look like you have a double chin.” ~The Style Guy
Wearing a mustache only is a bit risky. You have a tendency to look like an 80′s porn star and carrying the look into a goatee helps the but we believe if you’re going to wear facial hair go the extra mile and do it right. Yes, you can use your beard trimmer to get a perfect fade. Dzenad “Geno” Bicic of Geno’s Barberia, in New York’s West Village, breaks it down.
• Step one: Buzz it. ”Set guard to 3 and buzz your whole beard.”
• Step two:
Clean lower neck. ”Switch guard to 1 and buzz from your Adam’s apple to two inches below your jaw.”
• Step three
: Fade it. ”Switch guard to 2 and buzz that remaining two-inch area, finessing and fading the 1 zone into the 3 zone.”
• Step four: Remove strays. ”Remove guard (the 0 setting) and buzz below your Adam’s apple and any strays on the sides of your neck.”
In the market for a solid, no-mess trimmer? The built-in vacuum in this Norelco ($60, phillips.com) swallows clipped hairs before they fly all over your bathroom floor. One quirk: This guard operates in millimeters rather than traditional barbershop guard numbers. (Start at 9mm for No. 3.) But in all seriousness my friends, who pulls off a beard and classy style better than Tom Ford?
Talent can pull off any look it seems and one of our favorite musicians is Ray LaMontagne. His voice and his look is retro 60′s but he oozes confidence and talent. 
I can listen to his music all day long and it seems that the more I listen the better I like his beard. Now it fits him and his personality perfectly. I didn’t like it at first but he now reminds me of a younger Paul McCartney when he was wearing a beard after the Beatles broke up.
New York dermatologist Dr. David Colbert sets us straight on three common beard misconceptions—including that Seinfeld thing about shaving. No, razors don’t turn you into a were-man
Myth #1: Certain foods make your beard grow quicker. “No food or vitamin makes the beard grow faster. However, we do need amino acids or protein in our diet to grow hair. For instance, guys who are anemic often experience beard thinning.”
Myth #2: If you shave more often, your facial hair will get fuller. “Shaving absolutely does not make your hair grow at any different rate. One reason it might seem that way? If you shave often, you’re feeling the prickly sensation of hair growing back more frequently.”
Myth #3: Gray beards are coarser. “If anything, our follicles become smaller as we age. Gray beards are not much different than regular ones, structurally speaking. If a Santa-like beard seems coarse, it’s just because it hasn’t been conditioned properly or is full of split ends. (Yep, you can get those with facial hair, too.)”
When wearing a beard just remember a few things. Wear it right and keep it neat.
Chris
While many beautiful women choose Halloween costumes that are revealing, supermodel Heidi Klum has taken the idea to a whole new level. The Project Runway host managed to surprise everyone at the Halloween party she hosted in Las Vegas with a second-skin costume of what’s under her skin.
Like a model out of the traveling Bodies exhibition, Klum looked exactly like a skinless corpse and was even unveiled on a hospital gurney attended by two bloodstained doctors, in a macabre bit of theatricality. Klum, 38, said she wanted to go for a different look for her Halloween party at The Venetian hotel’s hip nightclub TAO in Las Vegas.
“This is my thirteenth Halloween party this year and I wanted something different,” Klum said on the red carpet Saturday night. “I was thinking how it would look if I had all my skin ripped off, and so…voila!”
The gorgeous mother of four’s bloody creation was not something most people could try at home. It required Klum to wear a skin-tight bodysuit that was then hand-painted (along with her face) by artist Martin Izquierdo, who’s known as the master behind the elaborate angel wings at Victoria’s Secret lingerie shows.
“We started in July,” Klum explained to Us Weekly. “We started with a body suit that was white. And then, basically, everything had to be hand-painted.”
To make sure he was accurately rendering the human body, Izquierdo used anatomical photos as a guide. Once he was done, the bodysuit itself was easy for the internationally famous model to wiggle herself into, but the rest of her look required an additional three hours of work.
“I don’t mind that,” Klum said. “I’ve been body-painted for 12 hours, so three-and-a-half hours is not that bad.”
But this is one ensemble Klum’s four kids will not see their mommy in: “Yeah, this one was too scary. They would be very scared to see me!”
I know what you’re thinking! Your mind went right into the bedroom and I set you up to think that way with the title so I can’t blame you entirely. But before you get to the bedroom you had better play it smart if you want the attention returned to you. Here are ten not so easy tips to remember when being in a relationship.
When you and Lucy argue, don’t use either of these two words. First of all, they’re not technically accurate. It’s not true that she never wears the cheerleader skirt; you got some boolah-boolah on your birthday. But, more important, they’re gas-on-the-fire words. Instead of these indicting adverbs, use ameliorative words and phrases, like sometimes or I feel or I wish.
Darn right they’re soft, but guess what? The best husbands actually are a skosh more sensitive to their wives’ feelings than your average brute of a mate is. By the way, the words never and always are great when you’re complimenting her, as in, “You never fail to amaze me” or “I always enjoy reaching under your blouse.”
Work the Reunion
You come through the door tired, maybe distracted about something at work. You riffle through the mail, ask her a routine how-was-your-day question, and give her a pro forma kiss. But let’s face it, you don’t really focus on her, do you? She gets only a sliver of your attention. Not good enough.
Don’t panic. I’m not about to suggest in-the-moment mindfulness. Men can’t be “in” every moment. The secret is to “husband” your limited supply of attention, save it for deployment at pivotal times. Think like John McEnroe, who would occasionally tank a forsaken fourth set, saving his strength for the pivotal fifth. Your key moments are the reunions. Take a few seconds and resolve to be fully tuned-in during each come-together moment. You can do it. Trust me, if I can, you can.
Here’s the plain truth: For all the habituation of marriage, all the erosions that come with familiarity, a link between a man and a woman is also instantly renewable in a momentary locked-on gaze. For just a beat, maybe two, claim her with your eyeballs. Look at her in a way that says, “I’m glad to be home, back in our powerful secret.” This kind of subtle but daily maintenance keeps the engine thrumming.
Laugh at Her
Among the most affirming things one person can do for another is to laugh at the other’s attempts at humor. Lots of husbands, over
time, forget this salute. What’s that you say? Your wife isn’t funny? So what? Neither is your dolt of a boss, but you laugh at his lame attempts. Why? Because you’re trying to prove you respect him. Bingo!
One of the biggest dangers mature marriages face is that Homer and Marge stop trying to demonstrate their respect for each other. Laughter is tonic for a woman’s woes. Keep it on display.
Describing his important role during World War II, Winston Churchill once remarked that though he was no lion, it had fallen to him to make the lion’s roar. Every now and then, husbands have to get fierce, defiant on behalf of their team.
It won’t happen often, but when you are in a confrontational situation, where reason and soft words have failed—a dispute with a teacher, a vendor, a bill collector, your neighbor, your mother—be prepared to bark in unambiguous defense of your family. Don’t shrink from this obligation. Your wife’s regard for you will shrink if you do.
Be a Little Lamblike, Too
Yes, this contradicts the carnivorous idea above, but a husband is versatile: He can hammer the tee ball and feather the wedge. Softness and kindness and tenderness and all those traits that ain’t much use in the marketplace are pure gold when it comes to being a husband.
A good husband relies on his wife, values her counsel, trusts her to love him even though he’s not in command. We’re most human when we’re wounded or lost. Fred Rogers once said that the best gift you can give somebody is to gracefully receive his or her help. That enriches everybody, giver and getter alike. Now and then, wrap your arms around your wife and whisper that you’re a mite confused. Let her help you find your way.
She needs closeness to feel sexual; you need sex to feel close. This is the fundamental impenetrable puzzle of love. I have no idea what to do about this. But great husbands have this reality in mind at all times.
Be Touchy
Apparently, we touch our wives too infrequently—except, of course, when we are taxiing for takeoff. It pains me to cede any ground, but we’re guilty as charged. I know one husband who when he’s feeling conjugal actually touches his wife as though he cherishes her character. But in fact, he’s hoping to cherish her caboose in a kitchen quickie. She sees through me every time. Did I say me? I meant him.
Nonsexual touch is a potent, underused endorsement of another soul. As you’re heading out the door, give her upper arm a quick, affectionate double squeeze. As you’re walking into a party or to your table, put a guiding hand, lightly but surely, on her lower back. Some nothing-special Tuesday night while she’s standing at the sink doing the dishes, come up behind her and give her a kiss on the back of her head. It should be more than a peck—make it last 1.4 seconds.
Throw in a little grunt of gratitude; its message is only this: “I’m a lucky man.” Don’t linger behind her. No arms. No hint of pelvic urge. She’ll get cranky if she suspects you’re cruising for dessert while she’s scraping chicken gunk off a baking dish. Just drop the husband kiss on her noggin and get out of there. She’ll feel valued.
The perfect husband understands that women often get confused by stuff that doesn’t matter, as in the unwashed coffee cup that’s been sitting in the sink for days. Few wives understand that it isn’t that we see the coffee cup and elect not to rinse it, but rather that the neural link between our eyeballs and brains actually keeps us from seeing the cup. The gender biology of why we don’t see the cup comes down to this: We have a lot of more important things on our minds. Will the Bills cover? Any chance of sex today? I think my biceps really are getting bigger. Our minds are cauldrons of profound thoughts. Any wonder we occasionally overlook some stray dishware?
Charge: We don’t help enough around the house. We’re guilty. But here’s the fix: Do more. Not a lot more—just a little more. One of the best things about women is that they really appreciate the smallest sign that you’re trying. They’re effort oriented.
Try walking into a room with a woman’s mind. Imagine that your brain has space in it for trivialities like unwashed cups. Ask yourself, If I were a psycho neat freak, what would bother me in here? The coffee cup—which sometimes takes the form of the kids’ sneakers under the table or the metro section crumpled on the couch—will suddenly reveal itself to you.
People rarely change unless they feel accepted as they are. Once folks feel they’re not required to change, growth happens.
Play to WinYou know the athletic wisdom that warns against playing not to lose, that argues you have to be loose to let your skills flow and maximize your game? Same goes for marriage. Oh, sure, you can have a perfectly fine little partnership by taking the cautious route. He & She Inc. may even hum along nicely if you companionably sidestep the briar patches. But that’s no way to be a great husband. She’s entitled to more, the full monty, the whole experience of being affiliated with, no, make that loved by, a man.
People often settle for accommodating coupledom because they’re afraid some explosive issues will blow up the marriage. They fear ending their days alone, living under the bridge behind the high school. Set yourself free to play bravely by taking the big risk, divorce, off the table. Decide that you meant what you said at the wedding, that this woman, come what may, is your partner for life.
Older couples often report that once they’ve gone past the point where they might leave each other, their partnership gets an invigorating second wind. No longer afraid of being alone, they talk things through. In pursuit of something richer than mere amity, they explore regrets, grievances. Sure, it can be difficult, but it’s full and human and adrenal and—hallelujah!—not dull. And it can lead to a more spacious marriage, a connection that is full hearted and well tempered instead of taped together.
Good luck!
Do yourself a favor and eat your lunch at your desk and watch this video. All of us in the Creative Department of Arrowsmith Shoes are members of TED and we strongly encourage you to become a member and stay current up with the email updates.
Jim
Even if you don’t follow NASCAR you have to be impressed with the winning record of Jimmy Johnson. With his record five straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships, Jimmie Johnson is arguably the greatest driver in NASCAR history (he even has his own Mario Kart–like video game, Jimmie Johnson’s Anything With an Engine). Guiding a monstrously powerful stock car through traffic at 180 miles per hour is an incredibly demanding physical task. It’s no surprise, then, that Johnson is no slouch in the gym.
Change Your Program Often
Johnson attributes his five titles, in part, to never being satisfied with how his workout is going. That same mindset can help you grow in the gym, too. “Every three or four months, I add new elements to my training,” he says. Most recently, he’s been doing more cycling to help him with his cardio. His advice: Switch up your program often to get the best results. Reorder your exercises or structure a different progression. If you’ve been lifting heavy for weeks, mix in a “light” day with high reps. If you’ve been doing all cardio, start lifting. Make sure you keep adjusting.
Keep Your Head in the Race
Look to whatever inspires you for motivation. For Johnson, it’s his ride. “You can’t hurt these cars,” he says. And that’s what keeps him going. He wants to always be fit enough that his car will wear out on him before he wears out on it. Do the same. “When you make a commitment to fitness, it’s a job,” he says.
Work Your Weak Points
Because NASCAR is a sport of left turns, Johnson taxes one side of
his upper body much more than the other. But he’s careful to train the opposite side to make up for possible deficiencies. “Any trainer
will tell you, when you have a muscular imbalance, that’s when injury happens,” he says. Treating imbalances is also a good way to bust through perpetual plateaus. If you work out with a trainer, he can test you to spot potential problems. If you work out alone, try swapping to unilateral movements (single-arm or single-leg). They’re an ideal way to make sure each side gets the same attention.
Always Fit in Your Meals
Like most elite athletes, Johnson tries to eat every three to four hours. Since his job requires him to drive for long stretches, it can be hard to make his schedule work. But that doesn’t stop him: Johnson actually drinks protein shakes while he drives. “They’ll pass one to me at the pit stop,” he says. “Under caution, that’s mealtime for me.” If Johnson can get a meal while speeding around a track at 185 mph, you have no excuse not to make a tuna sandwich before work or grab a bag of turkey jerky and stash it in your desk to help your body stay fueled up for workouts.
Chandra Johnson is the wife of NASCAR Nextel Cup driverJimmie Johnson. The Wilhelmina model was introduced to Jimmie by his teammate, Jeff Gordon, in 2002. In December of 2003, he proposed on a mountain top in Beaver Creek, Colo. where the couple was enjoying a skiiing-snowboarding adventure. Chandra reportedly cried all the way down the mountain. They were married on Dec. 11, 2004 on the island of St. Barts, the location of their first vacation together and where Jimmie first told ‘Chani’ he loved her. The newlyweds honeymooned on #48 team owner Rick Hendrick’s 150-foot yacht.
Chandra holds the responsibility for managing the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, the charity she and Jimmie launched in February 2006 which strives to help those in need, particularly children, achieve their dreams. That August, the Foundation announced its first grant to Kyle and Pattie Petty’s Victory Junction Gang Camp. The Foundation raised several hundred thousand dollars to build Victory Lanes, a 5,000 square foot, four lane bowling alley, complete with a shoe counter, arcade games and a refreshment stand, which opened in 2007.
Jim
Chicago Cub fan Steve Bartman’s attempted catch of a foul ball during in October of 2003 during the Cubs playoff game goes down as one of baseballs greatest, well, . . . . fan blunders. Do you remember Steve Bartman? I feel bad for Bartman because he got screwed by the City of Chicago, and the rest of the country for that matter, because he “got caught up in the excitement of the game”. He tried to catch a foul ball that may or may not have been caught by Mois’es Alou which would have only been the second out of the 8th inning. The second out mind you. The Cubs should have won the game but they screwed it up. They were ahead 3-0 in the 8th inning and blew it after the Bartman incident. They were five outs away from going to the World Series. Don’t blame Bartman.
However, the Bartman story goes down in Cub curse history right along with the “Curse of the Billy Goat” in 1945 and the Black Cat Incident
of 1969 when a black cat ran across the filed when the cubs where playing the Mets in Shea Stadium. In September of 1969 the Cubs were in 1st place ahead of the NY Mets in a regular season game but when the cat appeared and ran across the field. The Cubs lost the game and then proceeded to fall eight games behind the Mets allowing the now “Miracle Mets” go on to win the World Series. Cub fans blamed the cat!
After the foul ball incident of 2003, Bartman’s seat became a tourist attraction where fans had their picture taken sitting in it. Fans even destroyed the Bartmen ball that Bartman never caught trying to break ”the Cub curse”. The loose foul ball was picked up by another fan (a lawyer no less) and was sold at an auction for more than $113,000. The ball was purchased by the Harry Carry Restaurant Group and then publicly detonated drawing a huge crowd. The remains of the ball were boiled and then steamed where the steam was captured and then added to a pasta sauce. OMG! Great stuff!
After the Bartman incident, Florida Marlin fans sent Bartman gifts which he donated to charity and the governor of Illinois suggested that Bartman go into the witness protection program because of the hundreds of creepy threats Bartman received. The governor of Florida offered Bartman asylum in Florida. Bartman turned down many interview request, endorsement deals, guest appearances and even refused $25,000 for one autograph by a Sports Memorabilia Organization. Bartman was also featured on the inspirational poster series as “Scapegoating” where it shows the above picture and the quote which states: Scapegoating: The secret of success is knowing who to blame for your failures.
Bartman got screwed. Plain and simple. But for me it’s great fun. I tease my wife as my brother and I are Cub fans and we talk about Bartman to drive our wives crazy. We always bring it up around this time of year and we use Bartman as an excuse when we do something stupid. ”Not Bartman, again, really”, they will scream and we just die laughing.
Jim
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