THE Greatest Olympian

There is no way that Michael Phelps will not be considered the greatest Olympic Athlete of ALL TIME. What he has done during the two Olympics that he has competed in will (probably not) be ever duplicated or beaten-if it is that will be super-amazing. Pat Forde of ESPN.com wrote a great article on Phelps that is a very worthy read and goes in more depth of what I am getting at-he's the professional This young man broke Mark Spitz's single Olympic record of 7 Gold Medals in one Olympiad, by claiming his 8th Gold Medal in as many swimming events. He destroyed the competition, albeit the 7th race where he won by the slimmest of margins and made it even more exciting. He now claims 16 total medals (14 Gold and 2 Bronze) which is second all time only to a Soviet Gymnast who has 18. Now if he keeps this up and wants to come back in 2012, he will shatter that record and further cement his mark. Only 13 countries have more medals than he has (USA leads overall Medal Count with 65 over China's 61). One question comes to mind with all of this-can Phelps be considered one of the greatest Athletes of all time? Granted swimming is not as popular as some of the major sports in the world, but to live up to the expectations and put on the performances that he has, it is a fair and valid question to be debated for the ages along with those of greatest basketball or baseball player ever (Michael Jordan and ???). I am proud to say that Michael Phelps is an American Athlete, who has represented his country graciously during these Olympics, giving it his best effort never settling for nothing but the GOLD.


On other Olympic news, the Men's Basketball team better win the Gold. If they do not-DISAPPOINTMENT. It was only back in 1992 when the Dream Team destroyed the competition game after game making it look easy and so far this years 2008 squad is doing much the same after defeating Spain yesterday by 37 points.Deron and Lebron in company need to keep it up and leave the competition up in smoke. They have looked pretty impressive so far and they need to keep it up-they are an exciting team to watch and they understand what their mission is and they work hard at on the court. Gold or Bust!

25 Ways to Improve Your Health...A lesson from the Animals...

1.) Brush twice a day!

2.) Dress right for the weather.

3.) Visit the dentist regularly.

4.) Get plenty of rest.

5.) Make sure your hair is dry before going outside.

6.) Eat right.

7.) Get outside in the sun every once in a while.

8.) Always wear a seatbelt.

9.) Control your drinking of alcoholic beverages.

10.) Smile! It will make you feel better.

11.) Don't over indulge yourself.

12.) Bathe regularly.

13.) Read to exercise the brain.

14.) Surround yourself with friends.

15.) Stay away from too much caffeine.

16.) Use the bathroom regularly.

17.) Get plenty of exercise.

18.) Have your eyes checked regularly.

19.) Eat plenty of vegetables.

20.) Believe that people will like you for who you are.

21.) Forgive and forget.

22.) Take plenty of vacations.

23.) Celebrate all special occasions.

24.) Pick up a hobby.

25.) Love your neighbor as yourself.

"Everybody Get Dangerous"

I definitely got dangerous on a recent trip to Six Flags St. Louis (August 8th)! Considering this was the first time I had ridden a real roller coaster, it was quite an accomplishment as I went on just about all of the coasters there. In this order: Evil Kneival, Tony Hawk's Big Spin, The Mine Shaft, The Screaming Eagle and The Boss-the last two in the dark! Although the drops scare the you know what out of people they are a rush after you get done, but on the Boss a quick turn or another quick drop happens and you cannot catch your breath at all. It was a fun day overall with the family as we also enjoyed the Log Flume, Ferris Wheel, Scooby-Doo, and the Tidal Wave before Lunch and then Hurricane Harbor and the wave pool and Coldwater Creek after.We also got our picture with Taz and Scooby-Doo! I'll have to say riding Roller Coasters is truly American and is something every American should do in their lifetime is to enjoy the thrills and rush of adrenaline that they bring!

"And it's a Goner!

Oh, there is nothing like a thrilling and exciting home run call in baseball. To hear the roar of the crowd and the excitement fill the stadium can give fans goosebumps, BUT all this can be ruined by one simple thing: When the batter stands there and admires the home run...here is all I have to say about that-Act like you have hit a home run before, run the bases and let the game continue. I don't think there is any appropriate time for any batter to stand and admire their home run, unless you break the All-Time HR Record or hit the World Series winning run (those are about the only exceptions). Many ballplayers today sit there and watch what they have just done, soaking in the fans cheers while boosting their own ego. Now, let's take a look at the main culprit of this, Mr. Manny Ramirez, who last week basically said trade me from Boston or I won't play. He basically gave up on the Red Sox, did not give his full effort to his teammates and worse to the fans (the Red Sox Nation being one of the most loyal fans in baseball). He needs to get a grip of himself and realize that yes he is a great hitter and he will hit home runs, but once you hit it, run the bases and cross home plate, hi-five your teammates and get focused on the game. I am a huge Albert Pujols fan and it kills me to watch him do it...where as on the other hand guys like Ryan Ludwick (who by the way should be in the starting lineup the rest of the year) and Scott Rolen to name a few when they hit a home run (and know it) the put the bat down and run hard around the bases. It's guys like that, that keep the tradition of baseball alive and respect for the game. I am not saying Manny or Albert do not have any respect for the game, I think a lot of old-time players would not let it happen. I would bet if Manny were to hit a HR off of Dizzy Dean and watch it, the next time he came up, Dizzy would tell him what he thought of his HR...

"The Gashouse Gang" by John Heidenry is a great book about the 1934 St. Louis Cardinals and their improbable run to the World Series Title. It is very imformative about baseball in the 30's and the Cardinals team from that year. I learned a lot about the origins of STL Cardinals beginning with Branch Rickey to Rogers Hornsby and the famed Dizzy Dean. It made me want to go back in time and watch baseball at it's purest state-clean and full of guys playing their hearts out each day, playing through injury and playing because they love the game and not for the paycheck and not with the help of steroids...

On that note, the four Cardinals games that I have been to they have scored a Grand total of 3 runs...not too exciting on the Home Teams part, but the game where CC Sabathia pitched was entertaining because I was only 3 innings away from seeing a no-hitter...that would be something to be able to see a no-hitter by a pitcher live...a baseball fan's dream!

"Hey! It's automatic when you know it"

A couple things this time:

I will have to admit I am a "people watcher." I could probably go somewhere with big crowds and just watch people go about their everyday lives and watch the interactions-I think it's interesting and also to see if you can gather enough information about people's "stories." One of the best places to do this is at a Casino. This past weekend, for the first time, I ventured over to the Casino Queen in ESTL with Theo and it was quite the experience. The thing I found most surprising was the vast array of people there-my favorite was the little old grandma pulling the slot machines...There was all walks of life there and people were willing to put down money like it was nothing...The roulette table got the best of me, I should have stopped while I was ahead. It was fun though, I don't know if I would go back, if anything it would be a place to just hang out and try to win some money. I like just hanging out with people and playing cards and enjoying the company.

I read this article from Craig Ballantyne about Bench Press and I thought it was a really interesting article about training and building your pectoral muscles (chest).

"But there are pro's and con's of course, like with every exercise.

Pro: It builds muscle in the chest, triceps, and deltoids.

Con: It can be murder on your shoulder joint depending on how you are built, how you do them, how often you do them, what's in the rest of your training program, your posture, and other factors.

Pro: It will give you an answer for when someone asks, "So, how much ya bench?"

But here's the thing...

Today's bench press tip is this...If you are doing bench press and only going half-way down, just stop. Stop doing your "half" version of the bench press and find another exercise.

Because you really aren't doing bench presses with that form anymore than you are doing high jump when you jump UNDER the bar.

In the bench press, you lower the weight to your chest. That is the definition of how the exercise is done - check with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. And that is the RULE in bench press competitions."

It has been a long time since I have did barbell bench press and trying to do a lot of weight. If one thing I have learned lately is that you will build muscle by having correct form while using an appropriate weight for any lift. That will also help prevent injury, while focusing on the muscle group area. It reminds me of the power lifting club at school who would wear these ridiculous shirts and these guys that were as skinny as a poll could put like 35o on the bar and only go down 2 inches...what is that doing for you-building your ego? I will agree if I accomplish something training that I have never done before I get a little ego boost, but it's also because I know I have made myself fitter and healthier. I think I could go on about this even more, but I feel that is enough for now. So, to all those lifters out there-accomplish a new personal best next time your in the gym wether it's on the Treadmill, Bench, Push-Ups or Chin-up Bar...Maybe next time: Workout Recipes and adventures in cooking...

Summer Happenings

I think I could write a short novel of all the things that I have thought about posting on here this summer...but I will try and keep it brief:

• I will be teaching at St. Thomas More HS in Champaign-very excited about the opportunity and to start my "adult life"-coaching positions to be determined
• Coldplay-"Viva La Vida"- very different from their previous CD's, but also very good-each song seems to have it's own style
  
• Weezer "Red Album" again another quality effort put out by Rivers and the boys highlighted by "Pork and Beans, Greatest Man that Ever Lived," and my favorite "Troublemaker"; the whole album seems to remind me of the Blue Album!
• The Cardinals still keep doing it somehow-4 games out of the Central and tied for the Wild-Card lead with the Brewers; Getting Carpenter back is a huge boost and once Wainwright comes back (hopefully just as effective before he went on the DL)
• Today's workout: Circuit One: Pull-ups, One-Leg Deadlift w/10 lb. Medicine Ball, One-Arm DB Row, DB Swing, and One-Legged Hungarian Squats. Circuit Two: Lunges w/ 10 lb. Medicine Ball, Bench Press, Close-Grip BP, Chin-Ups, and DB Curls. ABS-1 min. plank, 30 sec side plank-Matthew (little brother) and I have been hitting it pretty hard this summer.
• I believe I could live w/ just two channels: ESPN (well all the ESPN Channels and BIG 10 to watch Illini football and basketball) and FOOD Network-they have some interesting shows and a great way to spice (get it) and liven up my food!-Buffalo Burgers are quite tasty especially mixed with: Cumin, Chile Powder, Seasoned Salt (For Grilling) and a little Honey Mustard.
• Speaking of Illini Basketball it is a little sad to see the latest happenings with G Jamar Smith...but on the other hand the Illini get another verbal for the 2010 class-the future looks bright and hopefully filled with Final Fours and that elusive National Championship.
• Lastly, here is a nice article I came across about D-Will and Dee Brown, it looks like Dee has made it on with the Wizards for the year, which is great to hear and see the former Illini in a NBA Uniform once again!