2007 MLB All Star Game “Cable Car” Ad 0
Feb26
:60 television ad (commercial) for baseball’s 2007 All-Star Game
Archive February 2009
The Houston Rockets Continue to Blast Towards Their Next NBA Championship 0
Feb26
What is in a name? The origins of some NBA teams’ names have a history. For instance, did the Houston Rockets get their name due to Houston, Texas being NASA’s headquarters? In fact, the Rockets originated in San Diego. The franchise chose “Rockets” in a “name-the-team” contest. It based this choice on the motto of San Diego, “A City in Motion.”
Indeed, the Rockets have been flying towards the NBA finals since the Rockets joined the NBA during the 1971-1972. Prior to the season’s start, the team relocated from San Diego, California; to Houston, Texas. The name “Rockets” was ideal, as Houston was NASA’s headquarters. Unfortunately, the Rockets ended the season with a 34-48 record.
The Rockets’ climb to the top of the NBA totem pole would take over two decades. About a decade later, they took their first step in the 1980-1981 season. Though they earned a losing record of 40-42, the Rockets crept into the playoffs. They first shocked the world champion Los Angeles Lakers. Then they defeated the San Antonio Spurs (4-3) and the Kansas City Kings (4-1), but lost in the NBA Finals to the mighty Boston Celtics (4-2).
During the 1985-1986 season, the Rockets returned to prominence, thanks primarily to the play of Ralph Sampson and Hakeem Olajuwon. They finished the regular season at 43-31. The Rockets then blasted their way to the NBA finals, fairly easily. They beat the Sacramento Kings (3-0), Denver Nuggets (4-2), and Los Angeles Lakers (4-2). However, the Celtics simply overpowered the Rockets in the NBA Finals (4-2).
In the 1993-1994 season, the Rockets soared to success. After becoming victors in the first 15 games of the season, they eventually earned a 58-24 record. Hakeen Olajuawon and a solid supporting cast marched into the playoffs. They defeated the Portland Trailblazers (3-2), Phoenix Suns (4-3), and Utah Jazz (4-1). In the NBA Finals, the Rockets faced the New York Knicks. Olajuwon blocked John Starks’ final shot at the buzzer, securing a Rockets victory. They would win Game 7 and their first NBA Championship.
In the following season, the Rockets would defend their NBA crown. They completed the regular season with a marginally good 47-35 record. Their road through the playoffs included series victories over the Utah Jazz (3-2,), the Phoenix Suns (4-3), and San Antonio Spurs (4-2). In the first two series, the Rockets had to battle back from 2-1 and 3-1 deficits, respectively. The Rockets completed an amazing season by sweeping the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals.
The Houston Rockets have retired the jersey numbers of five players, through their franchise’s history:
Clyde Drexler - #22 (Forward) 1994-1998
Moses Malone - #24 (Center) 1976-1982
Calvin Murphy - #32 (Guard) 1970-1983
Hakeem Olajuwon #34 (Center) 1984-2001
Rudy Tomjanovich #45 (Forward) 1970-1981
Throughout the Houston Rockets’ history, the sky has been the limit. Though they have experienced challenging games, series, and seasons, they have constantly moved onwards and upwards. Use Houston Rockets merchandise to cheer on the Rockets as they blast towards another NBA championship!
Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick’s articles focus on houston rockets merchandise. Many articles are related to nba collectible and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village
Indeed, the Rockets have been flying towards the NBA finals since the Rockets joined the NBA during the 1971-1972. Prior to the season’s start, the team relocated from San Diego, California; to Houston, Texas. The name “Rockets” was ideal, as Houston was NASA’s headquarters. Unfortunately, the Rockets ended the season with a 34-48 record.
The Rockets’ climb to the top of the NBA totem pole would take over two decades. About a decade later, they took their first step in the 1980-1981 season. Though they earned a losing record of 40-42, the Rockets crept into the playoffs. They first shocked the world champion Los Angeles Lakers. Then they defeated the San Antonio Spurs (4-3) and the Kansas City Kings (4-1), but lost in the NBA Finals to the mighty Boston Celtics (4-2).
During the 1985-1986 season, the Rockets returned to prominence, thanks primarily to the play of Ralph Sampson and Hakeem Olajuwon. They finished the regular season at 43-31. The Rockets then blasted their way to the NBA finals, fairly easily. They beat the Sacramento Kings (3-0), Denver Nuggets (4-2), and Los Angeles Lakers (4-2). However, the Celtics simply overpowered the Rockets in the NBA Finals (4-2).
In the 1993-1994 season, the Rockets soared to success. After becoming victors in the first 15 games of the season, they eventually earned a 58-24 record. Hakeen Olajuawon and a solid supporting cast marched into the playoffs. They defeated the Portland Trailblazers (3-2), Phoenix Suns (4-3), and Utah Jazz (4-1). In the NBA Finals, the Rockets faced the New York Knicks. Olajuwon blocked John Starks’ final shot at the buzzer, securing a Rockets victory. They would win Game 7 and their first NBA Championship.
In the following season, the Rockets would defend their NBA crown. They completed the regular season with a marginally good 47-35 record. Their road through the playoffs included series victories over the Utah Jazz (3-2,), the Phoenix Suns (4-3), and San Antonio Spurs (4-2). In the first two series, the Rockets had to battle back from 2-1 and 3-1 deficits, respectively. The Rockets completed an amazing season by sweeping the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals.
The Houston Rockets have retired the jersey numbers of five players, through their franchise’s history:
Clyde Drexler - #22 (Forward) 1994-1998
Moses Malone - #24 (Center) 1976-1982
Calvin Murphy - #32 (Guard) 1970-1983
Hakeem Olajuwon #34 (Center) 1984-2001
Rudy Tomjanovich #45 (Forward) 1970-1981
Throughout the Houston Rockets’ history, the sky has been the limit. Though they have experienced challenging games, series, and seasons, they have constantly moved onwards and upwards. Use Houston Rockets merchandise to cheer on the Rockets as they blast towards another NBA championship!
Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick’s articles focus on houston rockets merchandise. Many articles are related to nba collectible and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village
MLB® 09: The Show “Batting Practice” 0
Feb25
2008 American League MVP, and MLB 09 The Show cover athlete, Dustin Pedroia debates with PlayStaiton whether he can hit the high-and-inside fastball. This time he partners with his batting practice coach to make his argument. Comedy ensues. See more of the debate at http://mlb09theshow.com Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball and Hall of Fame trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum …
Why Glutamine Is Vital - And Not Just For Athletes 0
Feb25
Glutamine is one of the amino acids which are described as “non-essential”, but this should not in any way be taken as implying that it is unimportant. In this context the term “non-essential” simply means that the amino acid in question can be synthesized within the body and therefore need not necessarily be obtained from food sources. Along with the other twenty or so amino acids which have been identified, glutamine is required for the formation of the thousands of proteins which are vital to the health of the body. The enzymes which govern the body’s countless biochemical reactions are largely formed from protein, as are the antibodies that fight disease. Skin, hair and nails are also made of proteins, as is the collagen which binds the body’s cells together and, of course, the muscles.
Considerable quantities of glutamine are required by the body for it to play its part in maintaining the health of all these structures and compounds. But glutamine also has a number of important, more specific, functions including the maintenance of normal blood sugar and energy levels, the transmission of messages between brain cells and as an anti-depressant. Glutamine is also involved in the production of essential genetic material within rapidly reproducing cells such as red blood cells, those in the immune system and those lining the intestines.
Although it is normally manufactured in the body in sufficient quantities to maintain health, levels of glutamine can become depleted following illness, injury, or even particularly intense or prolonged exercise. Ordinarily, individual amino acids are released into the body by the breaking down of dietary protein obtained from food during the process of digestion. But unfortunately glutamine in food is made inactive by cooking, so that the best dietary sources - eggs, meat and chicken are effectively ruled out on grounds of both safety and palatability. Grains and fruits in the diet may provide a small amount of dietary glutamine, but probably not in sufficient quantities to derive much benefit.
Fortunately, however, there is some evidence that taking individual amino acids directly, in the form of dietary supplements, may be beneficial in some circumstances.
And in the case of glutamine these benefits are considerable. Some nutritionists and alternative practitioners believe that glutamine supplements may help build muscle while reducing body fat and boosting levels of growth hormone, which otherwise decline inexorably as the body ages. Not surprisingly, these possibilities have aroused great interest amongst the athletic (particularly bodybuilding) communities, and those looking for ways to slow down the ageing process.
But more important, perhaps, is the effect of glutamine on the immune system. A number of studies have shown that both intensive exercise and endurance events may reduce blood glutamine levels by up to 50% and also have a marked effect on the balance of the immune system. While the apparent link between these effects is not definitively established, it is known that intensely training athletes are more prone to infections than the general population, and research has suggested that glutamine supplementation at the level of 5mg a day may help significantly in reducing colds and other low level but debilitating infections. Put simply, it is sometimes said that glutamine can best be understood as the energy source which fuels the immune system, and that the harder the immune system is being asked to work the more glutamine it will require. Some practitioners therefore recommend as much as 20 or even 40 g a day when recovering from serious illness, wounds or surgery.
However, supplements of glutamine are more usually taken in doses of between 500 and 2,000 mg (0.5g -2g) a day; although some athletes have been known to take as much as 3,000 mg following particularly intensive workouts as there is evidence that this may help replenish depleted supplies of glycogen, the muscles’ principal energy source. Weightlifters, bodybuilders and other strength and power athletes looking for rapid gains in muscle mass may find this effect of glutamine particularly beneficial in speeding recovery between workouts and maintaining training intensity.
Single amino acid supplementation should not be continued indefinitely, however, because of the risk of creating imbalances, and glutamine supplementation, in particular, should be avoided by diabetics and those suffering from kidney problems.
Moreover, it should be stressed as always that the body functions holistically, and amino acids are no different from any other supplements in that they will function best in the presence of adequate amounts of all the nutrients needed by the body.
So if taking glutamine supplements, you should make sure that you also obtain plenty of high quality protein from your diet, as well as a good supply of the full range of essential vitamins and minerals.
Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in direct marketing and with a particular interest in health products. Find out more at http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Glutamine.htm
Considerable quantities of glutamine are required by the body for it to play its part in maintaining the health of all these structures and compounds. But glutamine also has a number of important, more specific, functions including the maintenance of normal blood sugar and energy levels, the transmission of messages between brain cells and as an anti-depressant. Glutamine is also involved in the production of essential genetic material within rapidly reproducing cells such as red blood cells, those in the immune system and those lining the intestines.
Although it is normally manufactured in the body in sufficient quantities to maintain health, levels of glutamine can become depleted following illness, injury, or even particularly intense or prolonged exercise. Ordinarily, individual amino acids are released into the body by the breaking down of dietary protein obtained from food during the process of digestion. But unfortunately glutamine in food is made inactive by cooking, so that the best dietary sources - eggs, meat and chicken are effectively ruled out on grounds of both safety and palatability. Grains and fruits in the diet may provide a small amount of dietary glutamine, but probably not in sufficient quantities to derive much benefit.
Fortunately, however, there is some evidence that taking individual amino acids directly, in the form of dietary supplements, may be beneficial in some circumstances.
And in the case of glutamine these benefits are considerable. Some nutritionists and alternative practitioners believe that glutamine supplements may help build muscle while reducing body fat and boosting levels of growth hormone, which otherwise decline inexorably as the body ages. Not surprisingly, these possibilities have aroused great interest amongst the athletic (particularly bodybuilding) communities, and those looking for ways to slow down the ageing process.
But more important, perhaps, is the effect of glutamine on the immune system. A number of studies have shown that both intensive exercise and endurance events may reduce blood glutamine levels by up to 50% and also have a marked effect on the balance of the immune system. While the apparent link between these effects is not definitively established, it is known that intensely training athletes are more prone to infections than the general population, and research has suggested that glutamine supplementation at the level of 5mg a day may help significantly in reducing colds and other low level but debilitating infections. Put simply, it is sometimes said that glutamine can best be understood as the energy source which fuels the immune system, and that the harder the immune system is being asked to work the more glutamine it will require. Some practitioners therefore recommend as much as 20 or even 40 g a day when recovering from serious illness, wounds or surgery.
However, supplements of glutamine are more usually taken in doses of between 500 and 2,000 mg (0.5g -2g) a day; although some athletes have been known to take as much as 3,000 mg following particularly intensive workouts as there is evidence that this may help replenish depleted supplies of glycogen, the muscles’ principal energy source. Weightlifters, bodybuilders and other strength and power athletes looking for rapid gains in muscle mass may find this effect of glutamine particularly beneficial in speeding recovery between workouts and maintaining training intensity.
Single amino acid supplementation should not be continued indefinitely, however, because of the risk of creating imbalances, and glutamine supplementation, in particular, should be avoided by diabetics and those suffering from kidney problems.
Moreover, it should be stressed as always that the body functions holistically, and amino acids are no different from any other supplements in that they will function best in the presence of adequate amounts of all the nutrients needed by the body.
So if taking glutamine supplements, you should make sure that you also obtain plenty of high quality protein from your diet, as well as a good supply of the full range of essential vitamins and minerals.
Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in direct marketing and with a particular interest in health products. Find out more at http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Glutamine.htm
Chicago Bear Football 0
Feb25
The Chicago Bears have traditionally been viewed as one of the blue collar teams that has been famous for giving the grunts a chance to see men that are fighting for the ball like many of the fans fight in their day to day lives to be more than just an employee that is representing a union or a means to a paycheck.
The Bears, or as they have been referred to by their fans “Da Bears,” have been one of the teams that has been a force that has shown that a team can have a chance in a game if they are physical and have the ability to be more of a defensive presence on the field.
With all that the Bears have been in the past and the present, the two things that they have always been are the symbol and the standard for defense. They have also been one of the few teams that have had, not just players, but also icons for this sport. They have made some of the most impressive runs for the Super Bowl Champion title and that has been the one standard that they strive for.
Among all the teams that have dynasties, one of the challenges that these teams have had to face has been in the form of the Chicago Bears. They have been one of the rare teams that many players and teams would prefer to avoid in the playoffs as they can make a game into something of a battle that can leave injuries out on the battlefield.
Several teams have had some of the greatest rivalries with the Bears and they have had some of the greatest battles that have been worthy of not just watching, but of being in the annals of time. This has been something that any other team strives to be, yet is something that has been common for the Bears. They are one of the teams that has been a presence not jus in the field, but also in the history books and in the hall of fame.
The Bears, or as they have been referred to by their fans “Da Bears,” have been one of the teams that has been a force that has shown that a team can have a chance in a game if they are physical and have the ability to be more of a defensive presence on the field.
With all that the Bears have been in the past and the present, the two things that they have always been are the symbol and the standard for defense. They have also been one of the few teams that have had, not just players, but also icons for this sport. They have made some of the most impressive runs for the Super Bowl Champion title and that has been the one standard that they strive for.
Among all the teams that have dynasties, one of the challenges that these teams have had to face has been in the form of the Chicago Bears. They have been one of the rare teams that many players and teams would prefer to avoid in the playoffs as they can make a game into something of a battle that can leave injuries out on the battlefield.
Several teams have had some of the greatest rivalries with the Bears and they have had some of the greatest battles that have been worthy of not just watching, but of being in the annals of time. This has been something that any other team strives to be, yet is something that has been common for the Bears. They are one of the teams that has been a presence not jus in the field, but also in the history books and in the hall of fame.
Fransis Rodrigues is the author of this article currently writing on Minnesota
vikings and Chicago bears. Visit today www.vikingslocker.com
and www.bearslocker.com for more informtion
on the subject.
Chicago Bear 2006 Schedule 0
Feb21
The Chicago Bears have been on a tear this year as they are ripping through a schedule that has been difficult at best for many teams to compete against. The Bears have been the most dominant in the area of defense and have crushing all teams that have faced them save for the Vikings. The Vikings have been the only team so far that has made the game anything remotely competitive for the person that has been watching.
The Bears have been one of the three teams that has shown a presence and are considered to be one of the few teams that has become a favorite to be in the Super Bowl and very likely to win it as well. This has been something that they would like to do, it is only something that their schedule will show.
As the Bears went into week five they were one of three teams that has a perfect record and has shown that this can be done with the firepower of a solid defense. The defense has made it possible for the offense to crush the other teams that have faced them. As the defense has been breaking down the opposition, the offense has been able to build upon the momentum that has been building in the course of it all.
Some of the teams have been dreading to face the Bears and there have been others that are seeing this as a chance to dethrone the Bears as a symbol of perfection. They have been something of a challenge for other teams and they have been showing what to do if the teams want to dominate in one area that will make a victory possible. This has been something that has made the Bears a standard for other teams and also something that can make the other teams gauge where they stand in the league and also how good their offense is. If they can score at will against the Bears, the opposing team have a good chance of beating any other team.
The Bears have been one of the three teams that has shown a presence and are considered to be one of the few teams that has become a favorite to be in the Super Bowl and very likely to win it as well. This has been something that they would like to do, it is only something that their schedule will show.
As the Bears went into week five they were one of three teams that has a perfect record and has shown that this can be done with the firepower of a solid defense. The defense has made it possible for the offense to crush the other teams that have faced them. As the defense has been breaking down the opposition, the offense has been able to build upon the momentum that has been building in the course of it all.
Some of the teams have been dreading to face the Bears and there have been others that are seeing this as a chance to dethrone the Bears as a symbol of perfection. They have been something of a challenge for other teams and they have been showing what to do if the teams want to dominate in one area that will make a victory possible. This has been something that has made the Bears a standard for other teams and also something that can make the other teams gauge where they stand in the league and also how good their offense is. If they can score at will against the Bears, the opposing team have a good chance of beating any other team.
Fransis Rodrigues is the author of this article currently writing on Minnesota
vikings and Chicago bears. Visit today www.vikingslocker.com
and www.bearslocker.com for more informtion
on the subject.