I started out as a skeptic, but I’ve become a big fan of my nike+iPod gadget set. My wife 
got me the gift box set for Christmas which has an iPod Nano, the Nike+ sensor that goes in or on your shoes, and a receiver that plugs into the bottom of the iPod (just like the docking or power cord). The product has been out for a while, but has gone through some improvements, particularly on the nike+ web site.
The best characteristics of the product are the motivation, the real-time feedback and the record keeping (see below for one caveat on the record keeping). (more…)
Another playoff appearance, another first round knock out. For those of us (including 
yours truly plus spousal unit) who were at the two Rocket’s NBA Championship series of not too long ago, instead of having confidence going into each season that we can at least compete for the top, we are getting trained in the habit of early exits, thoughts of what might have been and what changes should be made.
Thoughts of what might have been are not productive, as they always mean discussing injuries (Yao and Rafer), bad trades and signings (Mike James, Steve Francis) and bad luck.
Inevitably, there is the “trade Yao” or “trade McGrady” conversation that comes around. My two cents is below, the overriding opinion being: the Rocks have and always have needed a decent third scoring option, and a “microwave” off the bench. Luis Scola may end up being #3, but they still need a dependable bench scorer or two: (more…)
I’m in Dallas blogging from my blackberry which my friend Craver thinks is essential. I am at BJs sports bar. While I am waiting for the Rockets to begin their comeback on the jazz, I am treated to the following:
- Dallas Mavs losing to New Orleans in the 4th quarter by 10; if Dallas loses the series is over and New Orleans moves on;
- pistons over 76ers by 20, taking a 3 to 2 lead in their best of 7;
- san Jose sharks are up 1 to 0 going into the 3Rd period, sharks down 2 to 0 in the series;
The only way it could get better is with the Rockets and Sharks both winning the series!!!!
Normally, I don’t fall for them, I inflict them. My wife and I had our combined bachelor/bachelorette party on April 1st, and some people didn’t show because they thought we were joking (we weren’t….at least I wasn’t, my wife some days reserves judgment).
But this year: Hakeem’s return and The Legend of Zelda…both nailed me (and my son, for the second one). (more…)
Kurson’s Shadow Divers (loaned to me by my friend Charles, thanks Charles!) is a well written and thoroughly researched non-
fiction story of two divers pushing themselves physically and mentally to discover the truth behind the World War II U-boat they find off the coast of New Jersey. The tale combines the intricacies and technology of attempting scuba at depths of 230 feet in 1991 (when diving at that depth was relatively unheard of) with historical research on what really happened to certain WWII German U-boats. The author also paints an excellent picture of many of the characters, both from the time period of the dive and from the crew members of the U-boat.
Bill Nagle, a legendary wreck diver, gets a set of “numbers” from a fisherman, numbers referring to the coordinates of a secret fishing spot which must have a wreck at the bottom responsible for the gathering of fish. Nagle recruits divers to come with him on his charter boat to explore the possibilities…it could be nothing but a barge or a pile of junk. One of those recruited is John Chatterton, Vietnam vet, commercial diver and wreck diver extraordinaire.
On the first dive, Chatterton identifies the wreck as a submarine. (more…)
Hall of fame recently and statue honoring his career dedicated today.
And impeccable taste in hardware.
After the break is a video of my favorite Hakeem moment (and, as we had season tickets through his entire Houston career, there were many): taking David Robinson to school on the day the Admiral (or the Seaman as we called him in Hou) won the league MVP.
(more…)
Following today’s 109-88 mauling by the Spurs, the Rocks are 3-4 following their record setting 22 game winning streak.
There’s not much to speak about today’s game: Scola and Landry showed why there is still hope for the Rockets; T-Mac’s shoulder and Rafer’s reversion to poor shooting showed why there is worry. (more…)
1st place in the Western Conference must feel good, but how they got there, with many people playing a part, must make them feel even better. Lakers down, Celtics next up in Tuesday night (after playing in SA on Monday night).
Watch the ESPN highlights for a nice graphic of Shane Battier’s hand in Kobe’s face…on almost every shot. And a nice 4th quarter block of a Kobe jumper. (Fran Blinebury from the Houston Chronicle has a nice shout out to Shane on the work he does every night).
T-Mac gets zero points in the first half but the Rockets still lead by 15.
Rafer Alston cements himself into the elite point guards of this season with trey after trey after trey.
And Bobby Jackson, whom I and many others were about to dismiss and start a “play Aaron Brooks more” campaign, finally shows why Adelman traded for him.
Playoff season is looking better and better.
We are still not sure which was better:
- Mutumbo getting 5 blocks + finger wagging opportunities….all in the first half (bless
his 41 year old body);
- Richard Jefferson of the Nets dunking on Mutumbo, trying to wag his finger at Deke, and getting T’d up for taunting (yes, we know Deke is protected by a double standard, and we like that);
- Novak the designated three point shooter draining a few 3’s;
- T-Mac having only 2 points for a long time, then moments later he has 19 and can sit out Q4;
- Rice University grad Mike Harris making the most of his playing time with some hustle plays;
- Carl Landry, the rooking Harris is replacing, looking sharp in a suit on the bench (resting up for the Lakers this weekend).
(more…)
I grew up in Texas. Dallas Cowboy country. But I’m a Packer’s fan through and through. I
was one of the few kids that took the Packer Backer newsletter back in the day.
I read two books, a kids biography of Bart Starr, and Jerry Kramer’s Packer Diary. That was all it took. The Pack has 21 Hall of Famers, second only to the Bears. The Pack has won 12 NFL Championships, including 3 Super Bowls. (more…)
got me the gift box set for Christmas which has an iPod Nano, the Nike+ sensor that goes in or on your shoes, and a receiver that plugs into the bottom of the iPod (just like the docking or power cord). The product has been out for a while, but has gone through some improvements, particularly on the nike+ web site.
