Sportstorial

December 18th marked the birthday of one of the towering figures of baseball history — Ty Cobb. He set 90 records in his 24 playing years, mostly as a member of the Detroit Tigers. Nobody has yet bettered his .367 lifetime batting average. Or his 12 batting titles and 2,245 runs scored. He was one of the first five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, Ty Cobb was also a controversial figure, often in trouble because of his volcanic temper and his readiness to start a fight. While no player today rivals Ty Cobb, the game of baseball continues to appeal to many Americans. Each year, some 77.5 million people attend major league games. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at www.census.gov.

BetOnline.com released its odds on the biggest headlines of 2009. Among the most interesting predictions are:

ENTERTAINMENT

• Britney Spears had plenty of dark moments in 2008, but will she continue to complete her turnaround in ’09? BetOnline.com predicts she’ll be unstoppable (-150), with steep 8-to-5 odds that she would quit her “Circus” tour early.
• If Heath Ledger wins the Oscar for Best Actor, who will accept the award in his behalf? The odds are in Michelle William’s favor (-150); the Ledger family only boasts 5-to-2 odds that they would grace the Academy Awards stage.

POLITICS

• Will Illinois governor Blagojevich leave office before the inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama? Most likely (-400); Blagojevich boasts 3-to-1 odds that he would not leave office by Jan. 20.
• Will the Guantanamo Bay prison close in the coming year? Probably not in 2009 (-1500); the prison boasts 8-to-1 odds that it would close.

BUSINESS

• Will the unemployment rate climb to 8.5 percent by the end of 2009? BetOnline.com believes it will not (-200), boasting 8-to-5 odds that would hit the high mark.

• Will Gmail finally come out of Beta in 2009? Google enthusiasts might finally see the email application to the next level (-300) as Gmail boasts 2-to-1 odds that it would remain in Beta

SPORTS

• Will Lance Armstrong win the Tour de France in ’09? Armstrong isn’t a sure thing to win his eighth Tour de France title (-800), boasting 5-to-1 odds to take the 2009 yellow jersey.

• Will a No. 16 seed upset a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament? If history dictates, it will not be the case (-1600), as the No. 1 seeds boasts 12-to-1 odds to defeat the No. 16 seeds.

The Inaugural Ball will be arriving a month ahead of schedule for United States President-elect Barack Obama.  To be more precise, there will be four “Inaugural Balls”—basketballs, that is—courtesy of the Harlem Globetrotters and their official ball supplier, Spalding. The team has created an “official” red, white and blue presidential ball especially for Obama, a noted hoops (and Globetrotters) enthusiast, along with each member of his immediate family, in advance of his historic inauguration.

Globetrotters player Wildkat Edgerson helped the team pack up and ship the specially-made balls, each of which are official Harlem Globetrotters Spalding red, white and blue microfiber composite game balls which have been specially-embossed with the presidential seal and the words “Official Ball of the White House.”

“President-elect Obama understands, perhaps better than any other chief executive in our nation’s history, the power that basketball has in its ability to bridge cultural barriers and bring people together,” said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. “Plus, he has clearly demonstrated his desire to play on a regular basis, and we can think of no better ball to show off his skills with than our official Harlem Globetrotter game ball—which is already, appropriately, red, white and blue. The ball should fit in nicely around the White House, or wherever his pickup games will take place.”

As part of their gift to the President-elect, the Globetrotters will also be donating 50 brand new game balls from Spalding to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington, D.C., in the new year.

Obama has spoken in the past of his fondness for the Globetrotters, whose visits to his native Hawaii always provided “a wonderful, fun filled afternoon” during his youth.

“The strength and determination of (the Globetrotters of) that generation…laid the groundwork for people like myself,” he said during an interview in 2005 for “The Team That Changed The World,” a documentary on the history of the Globetrotters. “I was never that skilled to do what the Globetrotters did on the court, but occasionally, by accident, I would have to do a Marques Haynes (the Hall of Fame Globetrotter dribbler), because I would fall down and I’d still be dribbling, but it wasn’t on purpose.”

A Dallas, Texas, tissue donor wife will honor her husband and others who gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation by being among 26 people riding a special float in the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

Theresa Lozada, wife of Sr. Corporal Victor A. Lozada, will ride the Donate Life float in recognition of the thousands of people who donate tissue each year. Theresa’s trip to Pasadena is sponsored by RTI Donor Services, which is one of more than 50 associations across the nation — including recovery organizations, industry partners, transplant centers and transplant recipient groups — supporting the float project.

In February 2008, Victor passed away after having an accident while on duty riding in the motorcade protecting Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in Dallas, Texas. He was 49 years old. Theresa and their children discussed donation and decided that it was the right thing to do. “We saw it as a way for him to live on, and we wanted to give someone else a second chance,” she said.

Senator Clinton said, “My thoughts and prayers have been with Theresa and her children since that tragic day in February when Officer Victor Lozada fell in the line of duty. I am deeply moved by the strength and sacrifice of the Lozadas and all our law enforcement families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. I am especially touched by Theresa’s decision to support organ and tissue donation. Her selfless act has provided a lifeline to nearly fifty patients in need, and I hope it will inspire others to do the same. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to Officer Lozada’s service than this gift of life.”

The Donate Life Rose Parade float, one of 90 parade floats and units in this year’s “Hats off to Entertainment,” themed parade, will present the theme “Stars of Life” as it symbolizes the importance of donation. Just as entertainment is embodied by stars – from the silver screen to the Hollywood Walk of Fame – people touched by organ, eye and tissue donation are “Stars of Life” – real-life stars who make the gift of life an inspiring story of courage, compassion, hope and renewal.

Victor will be honored by one of 34 floragraphs, artistic portraits created with floral materials, on the “Stars of Life” float, and Theresa is riding the float in honor of Victor.

“The children and I feel it is an honor to go and be their dad’s voice,” Theresa said. “We want to tell others that it’s OK to donate – that there are so many ways you can help at the end of your life. It hurts that he went to Heaven, but it feels good to know that he can help more than 50 people through his gift.”

Here’s to a Happy New Year from Sportstorial!

Christy Sports, one of Colorado’s largest ski and snowboard retailers, today announced the debut of its Ultimate Demo Ski Pass.  Available for the first time, the pass allows skiers guaranteed access to various types of this year’s top-of-the-line skis. The 10-day rental pass costs $250, the 20-day pass $350, and an unlimited pass (called the Season Pass) $450. The pass must be purchased before Jan. 12. To purchase, customers must call Christy Sports’ reservation phone number (1-888-413-6966) five days prior to the first time using the pass. Skis can be picked up at any of the 40 store locations in Colorado and Utah.

Pass holders can choose from a list of skis that include all mountain to fat skis, for both men and women. The list includes a wide range of skis well-adaptable for different snow conditions, and well-known brands such as K2 and Volkl. The complete list and additional information can be found at www.christysports.com/ultimatedemoskipass.

Customers first choose a specific model and size, called the “Primary Ski.” This ski is guaranteed each and every time, with a 48-hour advance notice before hitting the slopes. In addition, the customer has access to all other demo skis available in the given Christy Sports location, on a first-come, first-served basis. This option allows the customer to try more specific models-for example, powder skis-when snow conditions change.

“This program is geared toward frequent skiers who already own ski boots, and want to avoid purchasing new skis and lugging them to the resort,” said Patrick O’Winter, CEO of Christy Sports. “A big focus is also on fast and quality service. Pass holders are allowed to bypass the rental line, and will receive the skis with a premium tune every pick-up.”

The Ultimate Demo Ski Pass is a great alternative to traveling with skis, especially in regard to the baggage fee. The pass will save a skier approximately $50 round trip. Most airlines are charging $15 for the first bag checked, and $25 for an oversized bag, as well as a second checked bag.

NIKE and reigning NBA MVP Kobe Bryant are celebrating breakthrough innovation with a festive flair this holiday season and beyond. Beginning December 25, 2008, Bryant’s new Nike Zoom Kobe IV, his fourth signature shoe with the brand, will be available on NIKEiD.com with more than 5 billion design variations, an unprecedented combination of color, material and pattern options.

The Zoom Kobe IV offering marks the first time that a signature Nike basketball shoe is available for customization on NIKEiD.com before it is available at retail. Beginning on December 25, there will be 24 pairs of the Nike Zoom Kobe IV sold daily on NIKEiD.com until February 1. After February 1, the Zoom Kobe IV will be available in normal capacity on NIKEiD.com.

To celebrate the shoe’s launch on NIKEiD.com, Bryant teamed with NIKEiD design consultants to create two eye-catching color schemes – one with red accents and canyon gold premium leather that he will wear in game action along with a surprise creation.

Bryant will give away 100 pairs of NIKEiD-designed Zoom Kobe IV shoes to lucky fans at the Staples Center just prior to gameday on Christmas. After-School All-Stars in Los Angeles, which provides positive and comprehensive after school programming for kids, will also receive the Nike Zoom Kobe IV as a special holiday gift from Bryant.

The NIKEiD Zoom Kobe IV shoes that Bryant actually wears during the game will be signed and auctioned on ebay.com with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the Kobe Bryant Family Foundation. In addition to the one-of-a-kind shoes, the winning bidder will receive two tickets to a future game and the chance to receive the shoes from Kobe directly.

Bryant was instrumental to the shoe’s design and demanded a shoe that was lowcut and even lighter at 11.6 ounces than the revolutionary Nike Hyperdunk (13 ounces).

“My goal was to push Nike to the limit and do something totally revolutionary,” said Bryant, reigning MVP who has won three world championships. “I wanted to create an amazing performance shoe and give it unlimited color and style potential for players worldwide.”

Nike Performance Footwear Creative Director Eric Avar accepted the unconventional challenge to create a low cut performance basketball shoe with Flywire, a performance architecture that uses thin and very strong nylon fibers to support the foot in the upper portion of the shoe. Avar also added LunarLite foam in the forefoot, a full-length Phylon midsole and Nike Zoom unit in the heel.

The Nike Zoom Kobe IV will be available at retail in China beginning January 1, 2009, and throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe beginning early February 2009.

Staying fit and eating healthy during the holidays is no easy chore for us. And it’s no different for youngsters who become less active and eat more treats during their holiday break.  My Gym Vice President and Fitness Expert Monique Vranesh says the key to keeping local children active is a matter of working physical activity into their daily chores and routines:

1. Take a walk. Even small increments of activity add up over the course of a week.

2. Yard work and cleaning the house can be fun for you and your kids. For example, wash or put away the dishes, fold laundry, sweep or vacuum the house and even use the mop.

3. Go to the park, walk the dog and play with him, and play catch or plan trips with family and friends that involve activities such as biking, paddle-boating, hiking, swimming, skiing – or even just walking to a museum.

4. Walk while you shop. It’s gift-giving season, so when you’re at the mall, make sure your child is walking everywhere; eliminate the stroller if your child is old enough to walk.

5. Play with your child. Most kids are on holiday break so take them outside to a playground or in your backyard where they can get active. Build a sand castle or a snowman.

6. Exercise with your kids. Studies have proven that if your children see you keeping fit, they’ll want to do the same.

7. It’s cold outside, so build a fire and make it a family activity by having the kids stack or carry in wood.

8. Marketing and cooking is a must during the holidays. Have kids help carry the groceries, from the car to the house. While you’re cooking, ask your kids to get involved.

9. Holidays are a happy time so take advantage and laugh a lot – it burns calories and builds stomach muscles!

10. Eat smart. Let your child help in making meals while teaching him or her about healthy eating.

Action AllStars, a new leader in safe, browser-based entertainment designed for ages six-to-14, was officially opened to the public today by video game and virtual world publisher, Six Degrees Games, Inc. Founded by parents and game enthusiasts with expertise in children’s entertainment and game development, Action AllStars, along with partners including the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLB.com), provides an original, sports-themed environment in which children are encouraged to play free games, socialize with friends, and participate in community activities based on real-world sports.

Designed in a browser-based environment that is free-to-play and requires no downloads, Action AllStars provides all users (“Athletes”) with the opportunity to customize an avatar, decorate their Home Turf, interact with friends, participate in weekly events, and compete in daily Challenges based on real-world scores and stats. Players can also compete in games based on popular sports, such as basketball, baseball, football, snowboarding and more, earning valuable experience points and tokens which, for premium members, can be redeemed for virtual MLB and NBA jerseys and accessories.

“The launch of ActionAllStars.com marks a significant milestone in the ever-evolving online entertainment industry for children,” said Minard Hamilton, CEO and co-founder of Six Degrees Games, Inc., along with Ben Jones, President. “With casual games and, more specifically, the virtual world’s space being one of the fastest growing genres in interactive entertainment, our team’s focus is on delivering a safe, accessible, and revolutionary sports entertainment experience which users of all ages can enjoy. We’re also excited about partnering with the NBA and MLB.com which have enabled us to provide our community with new and exciting sports experiences on a daily basis.”

“We’re excited to announce our partnership with Six Degrees Games and, specifically, our involvement in ActionAllStars.com to feature official teams, virtual jerseys and players in a new online universe designed for kids,” said Vicky Picca, Senior Vice President, Licensing & Business Affairs, NBA Entertainment. “This partnership will allow us to deliver an authentic NBA experience to fans on a new and exciting platform.”

”MLB.com is pleased with this opportunity to join Six Degrees Games in the launch of ActionAllStars.com,” said Kenny Gersh, senior vice president, business development, MLB.com. “Our primary goal is always to bring the game of baseball to fans across any interactive platform they seek it and we believe this agreement achieves that in a unique fan-friendly environment.”

Cramer, a digital marketing and event solutions agency, today announced the release of USA Hockey’s Off-Ice Training for the Complete Player and Coach DVD as a follow-up to the popular Skills and Drills for the Complete Coach and Player DVD. The training program DVD, produced by Cramer, demonstrates more than 400 hockey-specific exercises developed by USA Hockey, in conjunction with the National Strength and Conditioning Association for coaches, trainers, parents and players 8 through 18 years of age.

“We developed this program to provide the most comprehensive and fun-to-use tools that will make viewers more complete players and coaches,” said Mark Tabrum, USA Hockey, Director, Coaching Education Program, “We feel both the on-ice and off-ice DVDs are invaluable resources that will raise the overall level of play. We encourage players and coaches to use this information to create additional drills that will enhance the athlete’s performance, both physically and mentally.”

Off-Ice Training for the Complete Player and Coach includes actual training footage that demonstrates each drill. The DVD-ROM also enables users to search for select skills by entering in a category, keyword or age range. Trainers and coaches can also print instructions for each drill or exercise to bring to the rink or gym. In addition, Off-Ice Training for the Complete Player and Coach provides a completely customizable play list that allows coaches, trainers, parents and players to create player specific training sessions.

“Our goal was to produce more than just a training video, but a technologically-advanced, easy-to-use resource for players and coaches,” said Ken London, General Manager, Special Programming, Cramer. “With guidance from USA Hockey, we did just that, and created a virtual library of information that can be implemented and adapted for any age group. We are proud to provide the second of two DVDs that create a comprehensive, complete training package for USA Hockey members with the highest production value.”