Saturday, August 6, 2011

Bisping the latest fighter to rant about testosterone replacement

Add UFC middleweight and "The Ultimate Fighter" season 14 coach Michael Bisping to the growing list of fighters coming out against testosterone therapy replacement, the practice that sent Nate Marquardt packing from the UFC.

On Bisping's Twitter, he ranted that any fighters on TRT are "cheats."

This summer, the use of testosterone replacement therapy by several fighters has come to light. Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen both have talked about using the therapy to boost low testosterone levels. Marquardt was not licensed to fight the day before a scheduled bout in June because his testosterone level were too high, wrecking the main card of UFC on Versus 4. He was subsequently fired from the UFC.

Dennis Hallman, who is fighting Brian Ebersole at UFC 133 this weekend, discussed his use of TRT:

"People hear something from an official who was uneducated and they run around talking like they know the facts. They don't," Hallman said. "...The thing about those guys is that they are as ignorant as they can be. You can't generalize everybody in every situation."

Clearly, Bisping isn't sympathetic to Hallman and the others' use of TRT. That could be because one of his most famous losses is to Henderson.

B.J. Penn and Hector Lombard have also criticized the practice, and it's a subject that's likely to come up every time a fighter on TRT takes to the Octagon.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Bisping-the-latest-fighter-to-rant-about-testost?urn=mma-wp5344

Lynda Syktich

7 Chakras Infographic

For a larger image, download pdf HERE. For more on Alison, visit http://alisonhinksyoga.squarespace.com/ Breath, life, vitality of the spirit. Join Us On Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo & YouTube

Source: http://www.prana.com/blog/2011/08/01/7-chakras-infographic/

Art Wedd Lorena Maxon

Roxy Genius LS T-Shirt ? Deep Ultramarine

Roxy Genius LS T-Shirt – Deep Ultramarine The Roxy Genius Long Sleeved T-Shirt is available in Deep Ultramarine. 100% Cotton, long sleeved t-shirt with printed logo design and ribbed panel running down the back. One front chest pocket. Price �21.60 FREE UK DELIVERY AVAILABLE Category: T-Shirts|X-treme Deals

Source: http://snowboardaction.net/roxy-genius-ls-t-shirt-deep-ultramarine-2/

Nada Raker Reed Palinkas

White says Golden Glory management responsible for mass firings

The UFC has been paring down its roster the last few weeks and the biggest victims have been the fighters managed by Golden Glory out of Holland. Alistair Overeem, Marloes Coenen, Jon Olav Einemo and Valentijn Overeem have all been released from their Strikeforce and UFC contracts the last few weeks.

UFC president Dana White explained that the firing of Golden Glory fighters was not payback for the actions of Alistair Overeem, who was fired the week before. He said Golden Glory requires that all fighter purses are paid directly to Golden Glory's manager Martijn de Jong and not the fighters.

"This is actually a pretty simple explanation," he said. "If you look back throughout history, we haven't had any Golden Glory guys fight with us since Semmy Schilt, right? And the reason is we have very different business practices. It's tough to do business with them. The bottom line is the way they do business is, you have to pay them, not the fighters," White said. "We don't work that way. It's not the way we do business. It's not how it works in the United States with the athletic commissions. You don't pay the managers and the managers pay the fighters. You pay the fighters and the fighters pay the managers."

The promotion asked for that to be changed, so it could pay the fighters directly.

"They won't do it," White said. "We have to pay them, not the fighters."

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker explained to Sirius' Mauro Ranallo that a lack of open dates for Strikeforce fight also dictated the cuts:

[...] with Valentijn (Overeem) and Marloes (Coenen), you know, right now, there's only so many TV spots, as you know, until the middle of next year. And, uh, they're, um, you know, in this business, you've gotta keep winning," Coker said. "The slots are going to be for the fighters that are victorious right now. We have a lot of athletes under contract and we have to get everybody fights and there's only so many slots. There's only so many TV dates, we only have two more TV dates on the big show before the end of the year. September is already full, December is getting full and then January is hopefully are finals and that's going to have a full card already. So in fairness to the athletes, why just let them hang around? It's a much fairer situation."

In somewhat shocking news, Golden Glory fighter Sergei Kharitonov will be allowed to fight the rest of the way in the Strikeforce heavyweight Grand Prix, but win or lose, he'll be cut at the conclusion of the tourney as long as the pay policy continues.

Kharitonov is scheduled to fight Josh Barnett on Sept. 10. If he wins, he'll face the winner of Daniel Cormier and Antonio Silva. If he wins the tournament, he'll then be fired.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/White-says-Golden-Glory-management-responsible-f?urn=mma-wp5371

Emilio Coolman Fonda Mcfadin

PWA Slalom South Korea

The conditions here at Jinha Beach in South Korea are quite ok. We got wind on several days and so far almost 4 eliminations could have been finished. So far it�s one of my worst events, but two more days to go. Let�s hope for some more action. Some shots of Victor Couto and John [...]

Source: http://www.chrispressler.com/?p=1635

Ian Madaris Shala Dunseith

Smith completely outclassed by Saffiedine in Strikeforce opener

The sport has caught and passed Scott Smith. Back in 2005 and 2006, Smith was a pretty competitive middleweight and light heavyweight. In 2011, he can barely compete with high level welterweights. Twenty-four year old Tarec Saffiedine landed just about everything he threw in busting up Smith's face on his way to unanimous decision victory, 30-26, 30-27 and 30-27, in the Showtime television of Strikeforce in Chicago.

Smith is now 0-2 down at 170 pounds. He's also 4-of-5 overall. Nicknamed "Hands of Steel," Smith (17-9, 1 NC) is a good power puncher, but still hasn't added enough head movement to his game to avoid major abuse. Saffiedine, coming from a kick boxing background, switched stances throughout and landed during dozens of flurries and punch-kick combinations.

The tone was set in opening round when Smith landed just eight strikes while Saffiedine (11-3) made good on 37-of-75 shots. Smith, 32, deserves credit because it looked like he might bail from the fight in the second. With 3;30 left in the round, Saffiedine landed a big head kick followed by a nasty combination. It wobbled Smith who kept his back on the cage for much of the final three-plus minutes left in the round. Smith survived but came up way short on the power strikes count 67-14. He also lost the overall striking battle 137-24. Saffiedine landed 49% of his shots.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Smith-completely-outclassed-by-Saffiedine-in-Str?urn=mma-wp5180

Rosina Ector Roderick Muta

Friday, August 5, 2011

Haines the Hard Way: Bonus Coverage from Issue #8.4

You might remember Andrew Miller's contribution to frequency TSJ #8.4 called "Haines the Hard Way," which he shot alongside Will Wissman. Andrew just put together this extended look into the trip with a six minute slide show--a bit of bonus coverage from the print edition, if you will. Enjoy.

Snowboarding Haines Alaska 2010 | Slideshow from Andrew Miller Visuals on Vimeo.

Source: http://www.frqncy.com/news/2011/07/27/haines-the-hard-way-bonus-coverage-from-issue-8-4?utm_campaign=blog_feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=feed_reader

Tabetha Vane Barton Melton

International Yoga

When I came to work for prAna two years ago, I would have not considered myself a Yogi by any stretch. I did Yoga in fits and starts, on a good run I would go once a week for a … Continue reading

Source: http://www.prana.com/blog/2011/07/30/international-yoga/

Seema Quiambao Cesar Corrington

Cool video: Cain meets Ronaldo before big soccer match

Cain Velasquez's standing in the world of heavyweights in MMA is debatable and so is Cristiano Ronaldo's in the world of soccer, but they're definitely in the conversation about the top performers in their respective sports. This is a cool video where they cross paths during Real Madrid's recent trip to Los Angeles.

The UFC heavyweight champ spoke to Ronaldo about the UFC and how big it's getting around the world. Dana White has always said he hopes MMA can develop a soccer-like appeal around world with fighters coming from all corners of the planet. Ronaldo has never been to an MMA fight and was unaware that UFC had begun to spread events around Europe.

For those soccer critics who question the athleticism in the sports as compared to football and basketball in the states, Ronaldo looks like a pretty big dude even though he's standing next to an MMA heavyweight.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Cool-video-Cain-meets-Ronaldo-before-big-soccer?urn=mma-wp5131

Bryanna Dickmann Mickey Gabaldon

Zen Skydiver

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about myself in the whirlwind that’s my 20s it’s that yoga is good for my soul. So is skydiving. These are two things that have continued to hold a spot in my heart, no matter if I’m practicing or not. Even when I’m unable to attend yoga classes, for [...]

Source: http://skydivechick.com/2011/08/zen-skydiver/

Colby Arvayo Joie Iveson

Video: Rob McKibbin and Sam Grafton Run Log Choke Falls

I was heading over to Leavenworth with my friend Betsy yesterday when I happened to see kayaks on the side of the road by the Tye River.� Seeing as I’m in withdrawal from not having boated for nearly a month after messing up my back (can finally sneeze without having to hold on to furniture [...]

Source: http://www.ireneskayakingblog.com/videos/video-rob-mckibbin-and-sam-grafton-run-log-choke-falls/

Hyman Shilling Kevin Ficks

Sylt 2010

It�s my 5th time up here in Sylt. 2005, 2007 till 2010. This time we see a very calm Sylt. So far the wind never picked up above 20 knots and no big onshore waves crashed on the shore of Westerland. 6 days of the event are over and 4 days more are to go. [...]

Source: http://www.chrispressler.com/?p=1543

Marica Shappard Florentino Palacio

Tito wrecks his Rolls and cries; UFC breathes sigh of relief

It's a good thing Tito Ortiz is rich and likes to drive a $300,000 tank. The main eventer at UFC 133 got into a minor fender bender in Costa Mesa, Calif.

According to TMZ.com, Ortiz was involved in a three-car accident in his Rolls Royce. The former UFC light heavyweight champ got emotional over his smashed grill.

[Ortiz said,] "I cried a little because it's my favorite car but it will be new in no time."

Ortiz was a late fill-in at UFC 133. After Lyoto Machida asked for a bigger payday, Ortiz was seemingly the only remaining high-profile option to face Rashad Evans. Ortiz is safe and the UFC caught a huge break when he came away from this accident unscathed.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Tito-wrecks-his-Rolls-and-cries-UFC-breathes-si?urn=mma-wp5041

Phillip Wesner Maida Sons

Roxy Ride the Waves Pants ? True Black

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Source: http://snowboardaction.net/roxy-ride-the-waves-pants-true-black-2/

Iraida Schlitzer Linwood Curella

Thursday, August 4, 2011

In Memoriam: Aaron Robinson

I first met Aaron Robinson in Farellones, Chile in 2009—we were down there for a catalog shoot with K2, and it was the first day of two weeks on the road. We spent the afternoon shaking off jet lag and searching La Parva for something to ride with a crew 10-deep, but it was pretty bleak—the infamous Andean wind had scoured the mountain to sketchy hard pack and rocks. Still, we rode until 4pm to get our legs back and get to know each other, jibbing a little gully ‘til the pomas closed.

Upon returning to the hostel for dinner, Aaron was missing. Former K2 Team Manager Kevin Winkel set to stressing out about his whereabouts for several hours before Aaron appeared out of the alpenglow, a huge grin on his face. He had hiked the imposing chute of McConkeys, and returned with point-and-shoots of amber-hued powder spray, evidence of his first real turns in Chile. It was indicative of Aaron’s approach to life—always finding a reason to smile, always making the most of the day. Throughout that trip, he stayed positive despite sometimes suspect conditions, approaching every day eager to make most of it, learning how to talk to the senoritas in their native tongue, throwing himself into local culture with genuine interest and enthusiasm. With a positive outlook comes positive experiences—Aaron knew, more than anything, how to enjoy his place in the present, and it rubbed off on everyone around him.

Through the past several years, I was lucky enougn to ride and travel with Aaron in his home state of Montana, the Cascades and beyond. The positive energy never waned—with an innate sense of speed and terrain, his effortless flow on the mountain matched his effortless flow in life. Indeed, Aaron was a great ambassador for snowboarding, for freeriding, and for humanity as a whole.

The news of Aaron’s passing today while snowboarding in Chile, in the land he had grown to love, weighs heavy on us all. Snowboarding has lost one of its most genuine, talented individuals—the world at large has lost one of its most kind hearted souls. Today, our thoughts are with the Robinson family and everyone whose lives he touched around the globe.

Send in peace, A-Rob. We’ll miss you.

Source: http://www.frqncy.com/news/2011/07/19/in-memoriam-aaron-robinson?utm_campaign=blog_feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=feed_reader

Eldon Hinderaker Chandra Huyser

Videoportrait about me by Kevin Pritchard

Kevin Pritchard is one of the guys on tour, who gives me a lot of inspiration and support as well. He tought me how to circle jibes towards the marks and helped me out with several trainingsessions. While the last years event at Jinha beach, South Korea, he filmed me while sailing and took an [...]

Source: http://www.chrispressler.com/?p=1573

Bryanna Dickmann Mickey Gabaldon

"The Art of Flight" Metal Teaser

Yup, its metal. Yup, its Brain Farm. And yeah, what is up with that humpbacked bear? Guessing this won't be the last you hear about "The Art of Flight"... 

Source: http://www.frqncy.com/news/2011/07/30/the-art-of-flight-metal-teaser?utm_campaign=blog_feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=feed_reader

Mckenzie Carone Abram Hoilman

Brain study could help fighters decide when to retire

It's decision time for Wanderlei Silva. It's the same dilemma Chuck Liddell struggled with in 2010 and guys like Jens Pulver and Ken Shamrock are still battling. When do you retire from active fighting?

Stand-up sluggers take a lot of shots to the head and no one wants to see a fighter with eroding motor skills in his 40s or 50s.

In a story with the same headline, the Las Vegas Review-Journal shines a light on a brain study that could help fighters decide when to retire.

Changes in brain volume, scarring and blood flow will be measured through brain scans. Changes seen on a participant's MRI will be correlated with their performance on cognitive assessments and neurologic exams. When fighters show a correlation between MRI findings and cognitive decline, researchers hope to determine whether there is a relationship to a number of factors, including knockouts, number of rounds fought and number of blows suffered.

"It's important to know the true brain health impact that boxing and other combative sports have on fighters," said Dr. Michael Modic, chairman of the Neurological Institute at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. "We hope to find a way to identify fighters with repetitive injuries to be able to knowledgeably tell fighters when to hang up the gloves and help them heal."

The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is looking for 650 fighters from the boxing and MMA to volunteer for the study. Over a four-year period, fighters would have their brains monitored to judge trauma. The study is part of a $400 million grant from the Lincy Foundation, backed by gambling magnate Kirk Kerkorian.

Study participants will undergo four annual MRI brain scans, along with cognitive and speech tests and physical exams to monitor how brain activity can be changed by head trauma in the ring.

The information could also help commissions around the country on issues of licensing. Silva, 35, has lost six of eight fights and suffered nasty KOs in four of those losses. He also took a ton of shots to head in his loss to Liddell. Commissions have never really turned down aging fighters. Maybe they'll have more ammo in the future to protect the fighters from themselves.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Brain-study-could-help-fighters-decide-when-to-r?urn=mma-wp4913

Rory Shoaff Santo Mikola

What it?s all about

When I talk about skydiving, with skydivers and whuffos alike, sometimes I can’t help but step back from the conversation to wonder what it’s all about. Thing is, when you’re a skydiver, or painter or writer, or whatever it is that gets you out of bed in the morning, there’s something deep down that’s driving [...]

Source: http://skydivechick.com/2011/07/what-its-all-about/

Earnest Desloge Karie Dimon

Wall Street Journal "Discovers" Mountain Biking Flow Trails

Source: http://www.getoutdoors.com/goblog/index.php?/archives/4201-Wall-Street-Journal-Discovers-Mountain-Biking-Flow-Trails.html

Phoebe Orewiler Milford Worm

Coker video: Is Overeem ever fighting again for Strikeforce?

This is a bizarre position for Scott Coker. The Strikeforce CEO is technically under the umbrella of Zuffa. In a recent interview with SI.com, Dana White swore up and down that he has absolutely no hand in decisions with Strikeforce. Yet when you watch or listen to Coker talking about the future of his fighters and future cards, there seems to be a hesitance about answering questions. That could be the nature of the business or he simply can't promise anything because its out of his hands.

Coker did a 12-minute interview with AOL.com and had some interesting takes on what comes down the road for Dan Henderson and Fedor Emelianenko. A small part of the convo revolved around Alistair Overeem and his future with Strikeforce.

"I mean that's something we're going to sit down with his manager Bas [Boon] and have a conversation about," said Coker (8:00 mark).

That's not a yes or a no, but it seemed pretty curt. White recently said Overeem is definitely sticking around so it was odd for Coker to ride the fence on the question.

Coker also explained that Overeem sort of forced the bold move in the Strikeforce heavyweight Grand Prix. When the Strikeforce heavyweight champ and tourney favorite said he was out for a fight on Sept. 10, Strikeforce had no choice but to replace him.

"We've been very good to Alistair. We've been very patient. It just didn't work out," Coker said. "If we could've took this fight to October or November we definitely would've done it."

Coker said between the busy UFC schedule, Showtime's boxing slate, the Floyd Mayweather fight in November and MLB's World Series, there weren't many dates that made sense.

On other matters, Coker said Fedor vs. Hendo is not a make or break fight for either fighter's future with Strikeforce. Even with a Henderson loss, he definitely wants to keep Henderson around. He's jazzed about Marloes Coenen vs. Miesha Tate being the first female title fight under the Zuffa banner. Coenen was a no-show at the Thursday press conference. Coker joked that he had no idea what happened calling it a "makeup issue or breakfast issue or wardrobe malfunction."

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Coker-video-Is-Overeem-ever-fighting-again-for-?urn=mma-wp5140

Yvette Metcalfe Lincoln Hyre

Exclusive pictures from Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Hendo

Check out exclusive pictures from Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson by Tracy Lee, including the action-packed main event, Miesha Tate's championship-winning choke and more.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Exclusive-pictures-from-Strikeforce-Fedor-vs-H?urn=mma-wp5289

Cris Wriston Craig Umstead

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Form of Happiness

Have you ever sat and thought about what makes you happy? Like, really thought about it? In a recent discussion with a friend I grew up with, we were talking about, as a kid, how I loved to re-arrange my bedroom. I would ask my parents to help me so frequently, in fact, it�bordered�on annoyance. [...]

Source: http://skydivechick.com/2011/05/form-of-happiness/

Evalyn Biagini Bradford Cadden

Working in MMA: Agent Malki Kawa talks about the business

This week, Cagewriter is taking a look at the jobs that make the MMA world go 'round. See the rest of the series here.

Today, we look at Malki Kawa, the president of First Round Management, an athlete representation agency that has on its roster of fighters UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, Chris Leben, Carlos Condit and Thiago Alves, among other fighters.

Cagewriter: What is your job title?

Malki Kawa: Sometimes I'm called an agent, sometimes I'm called a manager.

CW: What's the difference?

MK: An agent's job is to put their guy in a position to capitalize on every opportunity they can, whether it's off a fight, a movie, or whatever. A manager is supposed to guide a fighter's career. I help guys reach their financial and their career goals. In the NFL, I was an agent, but in boxing and MMA, it's more manager. I like to think I'm a great manager, where I help guide their careers, and an even better agent, where I help them secure the financial and career goals.

CW: What's an average day like for you?

MK: I like to be in control and in the know, so when I wake up, I start checking everything out to see what happened overnight and catch up anything I missed. When I get to the office, I catch up on emails and create any proposals for any East Coast sponsors, or Joe Silva [the UFC matchmaker], because he's on the East Coast. At 12:00, the West Coast starts to happen.

From 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., my phone is ringing nonstop. I check in with most fighters, I look to see what's out there, and view a lot of different information. I look into what people are being paid, I compile a lot of data, I do a lot of market research. One of the reasons I've been successful in getting guys sponsorships is that I have a better handle on what's out there.

CW: Do you talk to your fighters everyday?

MK: No. I like to check in with every fighter at least once a week. If I don't have something to talk them about, I don't call them. There might be a fighter I don't talk to for a week. That doesn't mean I'm not thinking about them. It just means that there's not anything going on right then.

CW: What's a fight week like for you?

MK: We basically mirror them the entire time. If I have a fighter fighting on Saturday, I'll land with them either Tuesday or Wednesday. It's my job to make sure that everything is very comfortable and very easy for them. My week becomes a week to service the fighter. I'm there to be an extra hand for his team. That's when I take care of their shorts and their banner, and I make sure their corner knows what they have to wear. I don't really get a chance to rest until the night of the fight and their fight is done. If I have a main event guy, that's when I get to stop, unless they have an after-party, and then I make sure they get there, that they're safe and that they get paid.

CW: What's the best part of this job?

MK: The fighters themselves. Just going through the motions with the fighters everyday, and watching them grow. Like, watching Jon Bones grow from being a potential great fighter to being a champion. Watching Carlos Condit go through the ranks, and watching Thiago Alves try to make himself a little better. I also like watching when I come up with ideas that help change a fighter's life.

Look at Kenny Florian. It was my idea for him to drop to 145. Watching guys have faith in you, and then coming up with ideas of how they can get to certain places. I think that's why guys sign with me. Beside the fact that I make them money, and I am going to do the best I can for them. I think I'm intelligent, I think I know what people want and I think I know what the UFC wants, and I'm going to fight for my fighter.

CW: But no job is perfect. What's the worst part?

MK: Watching other managers who aren't good at what they do, who undercut their fighter's careers, they'll take a guy from you and mess things up, or fighters who become disrespectful. But honestly? I can't complain. I have the best job in the world. I think the traveling sucks. After a while, you want to be home with your family.

CW: What advice do you have for someone who wants to become an agent?

MK: If there's a guy or girl who wanted to get in this business, my best advice would be to set your mind to a goal of what you want your life to be at certain points. Set timelines. Let nothing stand in the way of that goal, and don't ever be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to go after what you want to get. Look around the room at my peers, and they come from all different backgrounds, but the one thing that they lack is the desire and drive I have. That's the reason I'm at the top of this game.

Follow Malki Kawa on Twitter here.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Working-in-MMA-Agent-Malki-Kawa-talks-about-the?urn=mma-wp4940

Xiao Bawks Mason Mamer

Curran and Sandro favorites at tonight?s Bellator 47

Bellator has done a heckuva collecting some top-notch featherweight fighters. While the UFC is struggling to find some depth beyond Jose Aldo, Bellator has an open race between 5-7 fighters for top spot in its 145-pound division.

Tonight on MTV2 (9 p.m. ET/PT) we get some more answers as Pat Curran faces Ronnie Mann and Marlon Sandro battles Nazareno Malegarie in Bellator Season 5 Featherweight tournament in Rama, Canada.. The winner of the tournament will eventually get a shot at Bellator champ Joe Warren.

Sandro, riding a streak of 4-of-5 win in Japan, was the pre-tournament favorite. Sandro (18-2) got fans in a lather with his performances at Sengoku 11, 12 and 13 where he scored three straight knockouts in a combined three minutes and 20 seconds. But Curran's success at lightweight (wins over Toby Imada and Roger Huerta, plus a close loss to Eddie Alvarez) and a dominant win in the first round over Luis Palomino might make him the favorite. Before we get to see a Sandro-Curran final, they have to get by some tough hombres in Canada.

Sandro is a big favorite at minus-260 over the once-beaten Malegarie while Curran is a slight choice over Mann at minus-130.

Bellator 47 weigh-in:

Pat Curran (146) vs. Ronnie Mann (144.8) - Featherweight
Marlon Sandro (145.6) vs. Nazareno Malegarie (145.6) - Featherweight
Neil Grove (264.4) vs. Zak Jensen (263.4) - Heavyweight
Chris Horodecki (155.4) vs. Chris Saunders (155.4) - Lightweight

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Curran-and-Sandro-favorites-at-tonight-s-Bellato?urn=mma-wp4961

Abe Tremillo Charita Foo

Roxy Relax Mix Typed Hoody ? Lilac

Roxy Relax Mix Typed Hoody – Lilac The Roxy Relax Mix Typed Hoody is available in Lilac. 80% Cotton, 20% Polyester, Pull on, with printed logo design on front. Price �32.50 FREE UK DELIVERY AVAILABLE Category: Hoodies|X-treme Deals

Source: http://snowboardaction.net/roxy-relax-mix-typed-hoody-lilac/

Roger Sandoral Shawnna Rohde

Fedor?s brother lashes out at coaches

Fedor Emelianenko's skills may be eroding, but it's not helping that he seems to enter the cage without any sort of gameplan. It's not just fans and media noticing that Fedor simply employs a "go for broke" strategy, his brother Aleks (on the right) is fed up with some of the folks around the former heavyweight king.

"They sat like two amoebas, and did not know what to say. They were asked direct questions and would say, 'It is difficult to say? we will see in the fight,' - what kind of a coach says that? Only one who doesn't understand the sport," Aleksander Emelianeko told FightersOnly Magazine. "I just call them 'Stopwatch' and� 'Towel'. That's as much use as they are, that's it."

Aleks thinks that Fedor has been in a stale training camp for years.

"[MMA] is constantly improving, but 'Stopwatch' and 'Towel' have not changed anything in the program - just frozen in time and not been able to develop the base that Fedor already has," Aleks said. " Fedor could train himself, he must take on it personally, to rethink many of the training points to learn and develop. Suffer and work! We'll talk with Fedor - whether he wants to change something in his preparation. If he wants to, I will make the effort."

Fedor lost his third straight fight on Saturday night against Dan Henderson. He lost to Fabricio Werdum by making an amateurish mistake and getting caught in a triangle choke. Against 6-foot-4, 285 pound Antonio Silva, Fedor failed stay at a distance and use his athletic advantage. He was taken down and couldn't get back to his feet. Henderson has freakish punching power and Fedor decided to stand and trade with him.

If Fedor is to return to the cage, his support staff has to get two things done. First, he needs to get down to the light heavyweight division and secondly, it's time to employ a game plan against all future opponents.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Fedor-s-brother-lashes-out-at-coaches?urn=mma-wp5268

Cristina Paquet Richard Haynesworth

Roxy Relax Mix Typed Hoody ? Lilac

Roxy Relax Mix Typed Hoody – Lilac The Roxy Relax Mix Typed Hoody is available in Lilac. 80% Cotton, 20% Polyester, Pull on, with printed logo design on front. Price �32.50 FREE UK DELIVERY AVAILABLE Category: Hoodies|X-treme Deals

Source: http://snowboardaction.net/roxy-relax-mix-typed-hoody-lilac-2/

Ian Madaris Shala Dunseith

Demian Maia responds to Chael Sonnen?s criticisms of Brazil

In an extended interview with MMA Fighting, Chael Sonnen gave his thoughts on, well, everything, and that included his views on Brazil. He said he was surprised that they even had computers in the South American country.

Demian Maia, a proud Brazilian, responded to Sonnen here.

Maia caught Sonnen in a triangle at UFC 95, and then after beating up on Anderson Silva for four rounds at UFC 117, Silva submitted Sonnen in a combo arm bar/triangle choke. In fact, Sonnen's last five losses were submissions, and four of those were to Brazilian fighters.

But Sonnen won't have to worry about losing to another Brazilian in his next bout, as he is taking on Brian "All-American" Stann.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Demian-Maia-responds-to-Chael-Sonnen-s-criticism?urn=mma-wp4841

Ivan Thammavong Evalyn Biagini

WHALE SHARK ADVENTURE

WHALE SHARK ADVENTURE by Paul Spielvogel Article originally published in Shark Diver Magazine Issue #12 Three weeks after Hurricane Emily slammed into the Yucatan Peninsula, ten adventurous veteran divers from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles, arrived together at the Cancun International Airport for our trip to Isla Holbox (pronounced “hol-bosh”), Mexico. The goal was to experience [...]

Source: http://scubadivergirls.com/blog/?p=8992

Ladawn Baunleuang Hoyt Claybaugh

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Videoportrait about me by Kevin Pritchard

Kevin Pritchard is one of the guys on tour, who gives me a lot of inspiration and support as well. He tought me how to circle jibes towards the marks and helped me out with several trainingsessions. While the last years event at Jinha beach, South Korea, he filmed me while sailing and took an [...]

Source: http://www.chrispressler.com/?p=1573

Marlon Schnibbe Meda Winegard

Voelker recovers from bad start, TKOs Bowling in second

Book Bobby Voelker-Roger Bowling fights every month! What fan is going to complain? They've fought three times and each bout has been a barnburner. Friday night at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, Voelker scored a nice comeback win by landing a nasty knee in the second round that Bowling never recovered from. Voelker wobbled Bowling with a right knee, saw his opponent's legs fail him, and then finished with nine unanswered shots on the ground at 2:15 of the second round at Strikeforce Challengers 17 .

"It was pretty suspenseful," Voelker told Showtime's Mauro Ranallo. "He was winning the whole way."

Voelker's now won two straight against Bowling, but the loser has nothing to be ashamed about. Bowling outclassed Voelker (24-8) throughout the first round. He dominated the stand up with nasty legs kicks and a great left hook. He actually had Voelker on shaky legs in the final minute of the first, but didn't pour it on.

For some reason in the second, Bowling tried to wrestle and work the clinch game. At 5-foot-8, against the 6-1 Voelker, that proved to be a horrible move. With his back on the cage, Voelker got a thai clinch on Bowling's head and pulled his noggin down into that big� knee. Bowling stumbled backwards and his legs were gone.

Voelker deserves a lot of credit. Some of Bowling's shots in the first would've broken a weaker fighter. The 32-year-old said it was part of the plan against the less-experienced Bowling.

"I just knew he was coming in hard. He always does, that's the way he fights. It's just balls to the wall, ready to take your head off," Voelker said. "I knew I had to wait a little bit, weather the storm and he'd lower his hands a little bit or fade, and I'd catch him with something like I did."

Voelker's won 4-of-5 with Strikeforce and may set for a jump to Strikeforce's bigger shows. According to Yahoo! Sports' Kevin Iole, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker is considering giving Voelker the winner of the Scott Smith-Tarec Saffiedine fight.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Voelker-recovers-from-bad-start-TKOs-Bowling-in?urn=mma-wp4984

Kasey Boegel Fabian Bartos

Surfing, Sun, and Sandcastles in SoCal

Scuba Diver Girls are taking a break from diving to soak up some rays while enjoying some surfing and checking out amazing sand castles. This week (July 30-August 7) Huntington Beach, California hosts the U.S. Open of Surfing, a part of the qualification process for the ASP World Tour. This event is a tradition, dating [...]

Source: http://scubadivergirls.com/blog/?p=9038

Crissy Thurmon Stanton Grima

Strikeforce done with Overeem, heavyweight champ reportedly dropped by Zuffa

There's a new sheriff in town and he's not messing around. Strikeforce fighters were sent a message tonight by their new boss Zuffa - play the game or play it elsewhere.

Back on July 18, the promotion's heavyweight champ Alistair Overeem got in a public beef over a fight date. Overeem said he wasn't available to fight on Sept. 10 on Showtime. It took less than 12 hours for Zuffa to pull him from the Strikeforce heavyweight Grand Prix. Now less than two weeks later, he's a free agent as Zuffa released Overeem from his contract according to HDNet's "Inside MMA."

Sources close to the situation have told "Inside MMA's" Ron Kruck that Strikeforce has exercised its right to eliminate the one remaining fight on Overeem's contract effective July 22nd.

Also according to the source, Overeem has been dealing with more serious injuries than originally reported, including a broken toe and rib and elbow problems. Overeem will fight next in October in Russia for the promotion United Glory. �No word on who his opponent will be.

This is a terrible blow for MMA fans. Overeem is certainly one of the top five heavyweights in mixed martial arts. Fights against the likes of Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, Josh Barnett, Antonio Silva or even Brock Lesnar would've been big sellers. It seems unlikely Overeem will be fighting under the Zuffa umbrella anytime soon.

Zuffa, the parent company of the UFC, purchased Strikeforce back in March. The organization immediately got an overhaul in the front office and with some of the support staff.

Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? The worst contracts in sports history
? Kobe to play in soccer benefit game
? MLB teammates argue in front of 30,000 fans

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Strikeforce-done-with-Overeem-heavyweight-champ?urn=mma-wp5153

Collen Adamaitis Amos Loper

Weekly Whitewater Watch: July 11th ? July 18th 2011

Planning on taking an O.A.R.S. trip in the near future? Booked on an O.A.R.S. trip already? We present you with our weekly whitewater watch – a resource available to YOU, the interested adventure traveler. Check back every week for updates on rivers across the west! Here you will find information regarding weather, river flows, exciting [...]

Source: http://whitewaterraftingblog.oars.com/post/weekly-whitewater-watch-july-11th-july-18th-2011

Lonny Torreon Calista Cribari

Family Rafting Trips

If the shine has worn off�Angry Birds,� your kids are complaining that it’s too hot to shoot hoops, and everyone is depressed that Harry Potter is over, it’s time to plan a family rafting trip!� How many activities are actually fun for you and your pre-teen and your teenager and the kid who’s back from [...]

Source: http://feed.aorafting.com/~r/aoblog/~3/YoW7HhjCwjU/

Milford Worm Honey Kristoff

Backpacking Washington State?s Inland Fiord

The Chelan Lakeshore Trail On a recent trip to Washington State, we allowed a couple extra days for what we believe is one of the world?s premier backpack trips: the Chelan Lakeshore Trail. You?ll find a complete description of it in our book Hiking from Here to WOW: North Cascades. We hope the following field [...]

Source: http://www.hikingcamping.com/blog/2011/06/backpacking-washington-state%e2%80%99s-inland-fiord/

Micah Sterger Fernando Cotilla

Roxy Genius LS T-Shirt ? Deep Ultramarine

Roxy Genius LS T-Shirt – Deep Ultramarine The Roxy Genius Long Sleeved T-Shirt is available in Deep Ultramarine. 100% Cotton, long sleeved t-shirt with printed logo design and ribbed panel running down the back. One front chest pocket. Price �21.60 FREE UK DELIVERY AVAILABLE Category: T-Shirts|X-treme Deals

Source: http://snowboardaction.net/roxy-genius-ls-t-shirt-deep-ultramarine-3/

Dalton Stahlberg Wilda Gladue

Monday, August 1, 2011

Support Team River Runner ? Teaching Wounded Veterans to Kayak

Team River Runner is a stellar non-profit�organization that helps wounded veterans and their families “find health and healing through whitewater” by teaching them how to kayak.� My kayaking friends from Texas who came out here last summer (on a trip I have yet to blog about, of course) – Ben Kvanli,�Jennifer Kerr and Kelly Howard, [...]

Source: http://www.ireneskayakingblog.com/videos/support-team-river-runner-teaching-wounded-veterans-to-kayak/

Vince Kollman Branda Lone

Brain study could help fighters decide when to retire

It's decision time for Wanderlei Silva. It's the same dilemma Chuck Liddell struggled with in 2010 and guys like Jens Pulver and Ken Shamrock are still battling. When do you retire from active fighting?

Stand-up sluggers take a lot of shots to the head and no one wants to see a fighter with eroding motor skills in his 40s or 50s.

In a story with the same headline, the Las Vegas Review-Journal shines a light on a brain study that could help fighters decide when to retire.

Changes in brain volume, scarring and blood flow will be measured through brain scans. Changes seen on a participant's MRI will be correlated with their performance on cognitive assessments and neurologic exams. When fighters show a correlation between MRI findings and cognitive decline, researchers hope to determine whether there is a relationship to a number of factors, including knockouts, number of rounds fought and number of blows suffered.

"It's important to know the true brain health impact that boxing and other combative sports have on fighters," said Dr. Michael Modic, chairman of the Neurological Institute at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. "We hope to find a way to identify fighters with repetitive injuries to be able to knowledgeably tell fighters when to hang up the gloves and help them heal."

The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is looking for 650 fighters from the boxing and MMA to volunteer for the study. Over a four-year period, fighters would have their brains monitored to judge trauma. The study is part of a $400 million grant from the Lincy Foundation, backed by gambling magnate Kirk Kerkorian.

Study participants will undergo four annual MRI brain scans, along with cognitive and speech tests and physical exams to monitor how brain activity can be changed by head trauma in the ring.

The information could also help commissions around the country on issues of licensing. Silva, 35, has lost six of eight fights and suffered nasty KOs in four of those losses. He also took a ton of shots to head in his loss to Liddell. Commissions have never really turned down aging fighters. Maybe they'll have more ammo in the future to protect the fighters from themselves.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Brain-study-could-help-fighters-decide-when-to-r?urn=mma-wp4913

Tim Betschman Ming Wycuff

The Autum Epitaph: Steampunk Beach Cruiser For Suicide Girls

Source: http://www.getoutdoors.com/goblog/index.php?/archives/4193-The-Autum-Epitaph-Steampunk-Beach-Cruiser-For-Suicide-Girls.html

Hoyt Claybaugh Jacelyn Darnley

Great conditions at Lake Neusiedl

While the last weeks the conditions had a lot of variety on my homespot, the lake Neusiedl. We got some days with strong wind from south eastern direction and I could get some good speed on my GPS. So I am in the 2010 ranking on top. Check out the following link! It�s really hard [...]

Source: http://www.chrispressler.com/?p=1565

Lorita Shirakawa Jay Enfield

White?s handwriting on the wall: Fedor?s facing a no-win situation

Dana White's a business man first, but fight fan is a close second. Over the years, the UFC president has had opinions on lots of fighters in and out of his organization. He's been particularly dogged about his thoughts on Fedor Emelianenko. White believes Fedor's been overrated for the last five or six years.

It's nothing against the fighter himself, it's just an opinion. It was the same with Kimbo Slice, who he called on the carpet and said couldn't win "The Ultimate Fighter." Slice didn't come close to winning TUF 10 and lasted just two fights in the UFC.

Fedor's recent run against better competition is also showing that he has plenty of warts, but White still believes he can win fights.

"Although I don't think Fedor is anywhere near the pound-for-pound list, and as far as heavyweights go, I'd have him toward the bottom of the top 10 and maybe just out of the top 10, here's what I will not deny Fedor. He can punch, OK? That guy can punch and if he catches you, he can knock you out," White told SI.com

He's facing a tough customer in Dan Henderson, who's never been KO'd. But White wonders what the 230-pound Fedor gains with a win over Henderson, who fought at middleweight in the UFC.

"If I've got to still give Fedor his digs, my dig would be, 'Dude, you're fighting a 185-pounder.' Henderson's got a great chin, he's durable, he's got good wrestling, he can stay out of submissions, and all the great things I can say about Henderson, but Henderson weighs 185 pounds. So I actually think this fight, as far as Fedor is concerned, it's a lose lose for him," White said. "If he knocks out Dan Henderson, he knocks out a 185-pounder. If he gets knocked out, he just got knocked out by a 185-pounder."

Fedor, riding a two-fight losing streak, is a huge favorite at minus-225.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/White-s-handwriting-on-the-wall-Fedor-s-facing-?urn=mma-wp5120

Fabian Bartos Michaela Stahlnecker

Roxy Genius LS T-Shirt ? Deep Ultramarine

Roxy Genius LS T-Shirt – Deep Ultramarine The Roxy Genius Long Sleeved T-Shirt is available in Deep Ultramarine. 100% Cotton, long sleeved t-shirt with printed logo design and ribbed panel running down the back. One front chest pocket. Price �21.60 FREE UK DELIVERY AVAILABLE Category: T-Shirts|X-treme Deals

Source: http://snowboardaction.net/roxy-genius-ls-t-shirt-deep-ultramarine-3/

Emiko Gambrill Ian Madaris

Jump for Diabetes at Skydive Chicago

Well it’s official folks, the 3rd annual Jump for Diabetes will be held at Skydive Chicago. As I mentioned in the last post, this year’s event is going to be low key compared to the past couple years. We’re encouraging jumpers from all over the country to take part by collecting pledges for their jumps [...]

Source: http://skydivechick.com/2011/06/jump-for-diabetes-at-skydive-chicago/

Arminda Cutrell Pedro Kara

Marquardt signs with the U.K.?s Bamma

Nate Marquardt isn't waiting around for the UFC to change its mind. The elite middleweight has decided to fight for one of the biggest international promotions, Bamma in England.

Bamma is highly successful promotion in the U.K. The next scheduled card comes in early September. That includes 185-pound title fight with Frank Trigg challenging Tom Watson. Paul Daley has been a big draw in the past as well for Bamma.

Through BAMMA P.R., Marquardt had this to say:

"Offers came in from several fight promotions, but we felt that BAMMA was definitely the best fit. They put on high-quality shows, stack their cards with top-level fighters, and sign those fighters to multi-fight deals.� They are also the only fight organization in the UK that implements PED testing," Marquardt said. "To be honest, that is one of the main reasons that we chose BAMMA. I want�to prove to my fans and to the world that I'm the real deal and that I belong on top."

Liam Fisher from Bamma jumped at the chance to sign Marquardt.

"As soon as we received word that the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission lifted Marquardt's suspension we jumped at the chance to sign him. He is a top ranked contender and an asset to any promotion. Words cannot express how excited we are that Marquardt is now fighting under the BAMMA banner," said Fisher.

Marquardt is expected to speak at length about the signing tonight on ESPN's MMA Live.

Marquardt and his management team spoke with U.S.-basedBellator, arguably the No. 1 non-Zuffa owned MMA promotion in the country, but nothing officially materialized.

Bellator was hoping to set up a fight between Marquardt and the promotion's unstoppable champion Hector Lombard. Lombard lashed out again at Marquardt on a local Miami-area radio station.

"He's getting offered more money than me, more money than anybody and he doesn't want to take the fight," Lombard told 790 the Ticket in Miami. "They offered him a one-fight deal. They didn't offer him any contract, a one-fight deal. Way more money than he was making in UFC."

It was previously thought that Marquardt may have turned down the deal because he was asked to enter a Bellator middleweight tournament and work his way up the ladder to get Lombard.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Marquardt-signs-with-the-U-K-s-Bamma?urn=mma-wp4948

Iraida Schlitzer Linwood Curella

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Windy springtime in Austria

Since I returned from Vietnam and Thailand a lot has happened due to the fact that we had a lot of windy days here in Austria. And luckily the temperatures were fine and I could start to sail on the lake Neusiedl from the first day on after returning from South East Asia. At the [...]

Source: http://www.chrispressler.com/?p=1619

Mack Carithers Xiao Bawks

740 Miles In A Day

Source: http://www.getoutdoors.com/goblog/index.php?/archives/4195-740-Miles-In-A-Day.html

Jordan Whitham Kim Oertle

Working in MMA: Bernie Profato, Ohio Athletic Commission

This week, Cagewriter is taking a look at different jobs within the MMA world. Click here to read the other posts on the subject.

On the way to becoming the head of the Ohio Athletic Commission, Bernie Profato served as a police officer, Marine, softball umpire, basketball official, and boxing referee. In his seven years at the head of the commission that oversees every MMA event, Ohio has grown from hosting four events a year to 144. He gave Cagewriter a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into preparing for events.

Cagewriter: Bernie, I want to give readers a look behind-the-scenes at what state commissions do.

Bernie Profato: Our first concern is always safety. The safety of fighter comes first, then the rules. There's a lot of issues that go around making that safe environment, not just the rules, but everything going up to the rules. I have to make sure we get the three Ws: the fighters and promoters win, the sport wins, and that means the state of Ohio wins. There's a lot involved.

CW: What kind of preparation goes into overseeing an MMA event, especially some of the bigger UFC, WEC and Strikeforce cards that Ohio has hosted?

BP: Every event is really treated the same as far as what we do to make sure we're consistent. We have to make sure they have a promoter's license. The first thing we want them to do is go to our website and look at the list of the 40-something things that are the promoter's responsibility. Somebody can't just say, 'I saw something on TV, I want to promote something tomorrow.' It just doesn't happen that way. There's a lot we're going to expect of you so that you can be successful, and the sport can be successful.

Once you get the permit OKed, you have to list your planned bouts on the MMA LLC website. Every one of those fights is approved or denied by me. If I deny the fight, I put why it's denied, whether that it's not competitive or if there is a need for a medical clearance. Every fight is scrutinized.

It's also our job to see if these guys are licensed in the state of Ohio, or they have to turn in their medical paperwork. If they're over 35, they have more medicals, and if they're over 39, they have to get even more medicals. We have to check FightFax to make sure this person isn't a boxer under suspension. At event time, my inspectors cover the events. They'll issue a license and a national ID, they conduct weigh-ins, doctors do the pre-fight exams. The inspectors will then send in the results, and notify us of any suspensions, whether it's medical or administrative. (For example, unsportsmanlike conduct.)

CW: So it's your job to oversee all that?

BP: I get involved. I'm a hands-on person. I'm not the type of director who just sits at a desk and delegates. I'm part of a team, and we've got a great team.

CW: How do you keep track of so many fights?

BP: We use a database that shows if a fighter is suspended and his name comes up in bright yellow. It tells us everything. In Ohio, a fighter can't turn pro unless he's had five fights. I've had to deny guy's pro fights because they were just 2-0. Are we being too nitpicky? Maybe, but you know what, I don't know who this guy fought. We're going to err on the side of the safety.

Once you've had four losses in a row, we have to note it, and it doubles your suspension. If they lose seven fights in a row, we tell them, maybe you should try bowling or golf. I had a fighter call me from out-of-state who had 16 losses in a row. He had never even seen a ring girl. He had never gotten out of the first round. I told him that there's no way he'll get licensed in the state of Ohio. You want to go steal a paycheck? Do it somewhere else. I'm not even blaming him. I'm blaming the commissions who licensed him.

Am I ever going to deny a fight that shouldn't be denied, or approve a fight that shouldn't be approved? Absolutely. We're going to be 97 or 98 percent correct, and I don't think you can ask any better than that.

CW: What's the best part of this job?

BP: Just meeting the fighters, and getting involved with all of them. The mutual respect we have for each other. They respect us in Ohio because they know we respect them. You can't go in and think these people are just a commodity and think they'll come back. We tell the promotions coming in that our goal is that they'll want to go come back to Ohio, and we always listen to their suggestions. Because the day you think you know everything? You pack it in.

In Ohio, we treat MMA as it goes back to the ancient, Oriental martial arts. In that, we feel that are four qualities that are a part of it in the martial arts tradition. A) Self-respect. B) Respect for your opponent, C) Respect for the sport and those who regulate it, and D) Self discipline. If you can't bring all four of those to the state of Ohio, don't come here.

CW: Is there much communication between you and the other states?

BP: Definitely. Someone will send out an email, "How do you handle this situation?" and we'll respond. They don't have to take our advice, but you look at the people who are successful, and try it on and see what works for you. We have the opportunity to share that knowledge with each other.

One person I've learned so much from is (New Jersey State Athletic Commission head) Nick Lembo. He is just so knowledgeable, and I'll tell you something, he saved Thiago Alves' life. Thank God he was fighting in New Jersey, because they found that issue with his brain.

I denied the Sims-Sylvia fight here because it wasn't competitive, and I took a little bit of a beating by some blogs. But then the next thing you know, the poll on TV says that people are 95 to 5 on denying that fight. You've got to keep these guys safe.

Randy Couture told me, "All other commissions should come to Ohio to see how Ohio does it." These are the top professionals in the world, and we want to treat them like professionals.

Read more from Profato's interview here. Profato has another big event to oversee, as he Ohio will host Strikeforce for the semifinals of the heavyweight Grand Prix.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Working-in-MMA-Bernie-Profato-Ohio-Athletic-Co?urn=mma-wp4917

Corie Richan Abe Tremillo

How Do You Convince a Seasoned Skier to Try Snowboarding?

The following guest post is by Rory Alexander, a seasoned snowboarder and member of the Eternal Snow team. EternalSnow.com offers everything from a women?s snowboard, to all around snowboard boots, to top snowboarding gear, and much more. Alright skiers it is time to try something new, snowboarding.� ?But i have skied for years. Why snowboard?? [...]

Source: http://snowboardaction.net/convince-seasoned-skier-snowboarding/

Chandra Huyser Ian Evoy

Secret Hikes in the Canadian Rockies

“Please take that hike out of your book. It?s a secret few people know about. I want to keep it that way.” We rarely receive a request to excise a particular trip from one of our hiking guidebooks, but when we do, that?s the thrust of the argument: Someone wants to keep their ?secret route? [...]

Source: http://www.hikingcamping.com/blog/2011/07/secret-hikes-in-the-canadian-rockies/

Scot Reisig Micah Sterger

Roxy Relax Mix Typed Hoody ? Lilac

Roxy Relax Mix Typed Hoody – Lilac The Roxy Relax Mix Typed Hoody is available in Lilac. 80% Cotton, 20% Polyester, Pull on, with printed logo design on front. Price �32.50 FREE UK DELIVERY AVAILABLE Category: Hoodies|X-treme Deals

Source: http://snowboardaction.net/roxy-relax-mix-typed-hoody-lilac/

Inge Vathroder Vince Kollman

Bad Karma Outdoor Gear

This is the first we’ve heard of the Koch brothers. Read the article. Your opinion? http://www.utne.com/Wild-Green/Get-the-Koch-Brothers-Out-of-Your-Gear.aspx  

Source: http://www.hikingcamping.com/blog/2011/05/bad-karma-outdoor-gear/

Mack Carithers Xiao Bawks

The next events are getting closer

After I returned from South Korea – the trip was cool and I could score better in the last race of the event – I try to remember, what I learnt at Jinha Beach about racing, sail trim, body trim in between my rigg and board, pumping technique, jibing.. Additionally the time in South Korea [...]

Source: http://www.chrispressler.com/?p=1649

Billy Passmore Benita Miners

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Overeem out of Strikeforce HWT GP, but still fighting for Zuffa

The Strikeforce heavyweight Grand Prix has been very solid so far, but if there's one complaint it might be the amount of time it's taking to progress.

Zuffa, looking to speed things along, scheduled the semifinals for Sept. 10. Alistair Overeem says he can't fight in September, so now in a surprising move, Zuffa has dumped him from the tournament.

It's a shocking development, involving the guy who most still felt was the favorite to win the whole thing and eventually secure a fight with UFC champion Cain Velasquez down the road.

Instead, it'll be Daniel Cormier who steps up and faces Antonio "Big Foot" Silva.

The story picked up steam this afternoon when Overeem appeared on AOL.com's MMA Hour.

"What's going to happen next? I don't know. I've had some threats of cutting me out of the tournament if I don't participate. I don't know if they're going to do it. Personally, I don't like to be threatened. If people start talking like that then?be my guest, but then I'm really not going to sing to their tune," Overeem said.

"For them to unilaterally declare, okay, [September 10] is going to be the second round, which I never agreed on, and then threaten me if I don't want it, it?doesn't really show a lot of respect,"

It was more than "a lack of respect," there were actions behind the words. Overeem is out, but that doesn't mean he's getting booted from the Strikeforce roster. He's the Strikeforce heavyweight champ and UFC president Dana White pointed out that Overeem's still with the company.

"Sept. 10 was the date Showtime wants us to go, so it's the date we've got to go. It's unfortunate that Alistair is unavailable, but situations like this are why there are alternates in the tournament," White told MMAjunkie. "Overeem is under contract, and when his pinky toe heals up, we'll get him another fight," White said.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Overeem-out-of-Strikeforce-HWT-GP-but-still-fig?urn=mma-wp4782

Calista Cribari Colby Arvayo

Strikeforce done with Overeem, heavyweight champ reportedly dropped by Zuffa

There's a new sheriff in town and he's not messing around. Strikeforce fighters were sent a message tonight by their new boss Zuffa - play the game or play it elsewhere.

Back on July 18, the promotion's heavyweight champ Alistair Overeem got in a public beef over a fight date. Overeem said he wasn't available to fight on Sept. 10 on Showtime. It took less than 12 hours for Zuffa to pull him from the Strikeforce heavyweight Grand Prix. Now less than two weeks later, he's a free agent as Zuffa released Overeem from his contract according to HDNet's "Inside MMA."

Sources close to the situation have told "Inside MMA's" Ron Kruck that Strikeforce has exercised its right to eliminate the one remaining fight on Overeem's contract effective July 22nd.

Also according to the source, Overeem has been dealing with more serious injuries than originally reported, including a broken toe and rib and elbow problems. Overeem will fight next in October in Russia for the promotion United Glory. �No word on who his opponent will be.

This is a terrible blow for MMA fans. Overeem is certainly one of the top five heavyweights in mixed martial arts. Fights against the likes of Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, Josh Barnett, Antonio Silva or even Brock Lesnar would've been big sellers. It seems unlikely Overeem will be fighting under the Zuffa umbrella anytime soon.

Zuffa, the parent company of the UFC, purchased Strikeforce back in March. The organization immediately got an overhaul in the front office and with some of the support staff.

Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? The worst contracts in sports history
? Kobe to play in soccer benefit game
? MLB teammates argue in front of 30,000 fans

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Strikeforce-done-with-Overeem-heavyweight-champ?urn=mma-wp5153

Sherwood Hauf Rosina Ector

In Memoriam: Aaron Robinson

I first met Aaron Robinson in Farellones, Chile in 2009—we were down there for a catalog shoot with K2, and it was the first day of two weeks on the road. We spent the afternoon shaking off jet lag and searching La Parva for something to ride with a crew 10-deep, but it was pretty bleak—the infamous Andean wind had scoured the mountain to sketchy hard pack and rocks. Still, we rode until 4pm to get our legs back and get to know each other, jibbing a little gully ‘til the pomas closed.

Upon returning to the hostel for dinner, Aaron was missing. Former K2 Team Manager Kevin Winkel set to stressing out about his whereabouts for several hours before Aaron appeared out of the alpenglow, a huge grin on his face. He had hiked the imposing chute of McConkeys, and returned with point-and-shoots of amber-hued powder spray, evidence of his first real turns in Chile. It was indicative of Aaron’s approach to life—always finding a reason to smile, always making the most of the day. Throughout that trip, he stayed positive despite sometimes suspect conditions, approaching every day eager to make most of it, learning how to talk to the senoritas in their native tongue, throwing himself into local culture with genuine interest and enthusiasm. With a positive outlook comes positive experiences—Aaron knew, more than anything, how to enjoy his place in the present, and it rubbed off on everyone around him.

Through the past several years, I was lucky enougn to ride and travel with Aaron in his home state of Montana, the Cascades and beyond. The positive energy never waned—with an innate sense of speed and terrain, his effortless flow on the mountain matched his effortless flow in life. Indeed, Aaron was a great ambassador for snowboarding, for freeriding, and for humanity as a whole.

The news of Aaron’s passing today while snowboarding in Chile, in the land he had grown to love, weighs heavy on us all. Snowboarding has lost one of its most genuine, talented individuals—the world at large has lost one of its most kind hearted souls. Today, our thoughts are with the Robinson family and everyone whose lives he touched around the globe.

Send in peace, A-Rob. We’ll miss you.

Source: http://www.frqncy.com/news/2011/07/19/in-memoriam-aaron-robinson?utm_campaign=blog_feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=feed_reader

Lola Lumpkins Tim Betschman

Great October sessions

Since I am back from the PWA Slalom final on Sylt I tried to get as much time as possible on the water. The good performance on Sylt, I could finish the season with the best result of the 2010 season with a 35th, gave me a lot of motivation. Most of the sessions on [...]

Source: http://www.chrispressler.com/?p=1555

Mason Mamer Krishna Bogard

Lombard to Marquardt: ?Let?s make it happen, brother?

Nate Marquardt's suspension has been officially lifted by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission. Earlier this week, Bellator middleweight Hector Lombard doubted that a fight between him and the maligned former UFC star would happen, but now he has another message for Marquardt:

That's right, Lombard would like to welcome Marquardt to Bellator as well as "whoop him up."

It's a fight that makes sense for both men, as Lombard's biggest problem in Bellator has been a lack of challenges. For Marquardt, it's the best fight available after being cut publicly from the UFC just after his suspension messed up the main event for UFC on Versus 4.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Lombard-to-Marquardt-Let-s-make-it-happen-bro?urn=mma-wp4647

Cristobal Vocelka Renata Footman

Fertitta interview Part 2: Expanding the schedule and big television deal on the horizon

This is a huge year for the UFC. Unlike 2004 and 2005, when the promotion was basically begging television executives to work with its product, the UFC's in a position of strength.

Back then, the UFC would run events every few months. The schedule has expanded to the point where its approaching 30 events each year. Another five years from now, there may only may only be a few weeks a year without an event.

"I could definitely see potentially a fight a week. There's only so much we can push on the pay-per-view side of it. there's only so many big fights we can ask the public to pay for, " UFC president Lorenzo Fertitta told ESPNRadio1100's "The MMA Insiders" show. "But if you're getting it on free TV, I don't see why people wouldn't want to watch."

If the UFC has that many fight cards, it'll be looking for more outlets. or control of its own network.

"The reality is as the sport continues to grow, not just here in North America, but around the globe ... there's going to need to be dates to cultivate that talent as well," said Fertitta.

Fertitta joined Kevin Iole and myself on ESPNRadio1100 on Friday. In Part one of the interview, Fertitta was critical of the Culinary Union for blocking MMA's legalization in New York.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Fertitta-interview-Part-2-Expanding-the-schedul?urn=mma-wp4762

Honey Kristoff Maxwell Tetu