If any of you ever played on organized sports teams or if you have kids that play sports regularly, then chances are you know the importance of a good warm-up mix. In High School, I had the priviledge of playing both soccer and basketball. Since soccer games are outside, I had to fend for myself and provide my own tunes through headphones. With basketball, some of my fondest memories were centered around a pre-game warm up before a big game against a league rival. If the adrenaline caused by the pure anticipation of the game isn’t enough to get you jacked up, coming out to a gym full of fans and good music blaring will definitely do the trick.
After busting through a banner held up by a bunch of cheerleaders with screaming fans in the background, you go right into your pre-game drills. Even though I was white and couldn’t throw down, lay up lines and the tip drill still got me pretty jacked up. The atmosphere is what really gets your blood pumping. You got your friends, classmates, family, and local fans out to watch you play. You can look on the other side of the court and see the nights’ challenge before you. In the background, you got some thumping bass and motivational chords streaming from the gym speakers. Man, that is just one of those feelings that is so full of nostalgia that it can take you right back to those days, no matter how long ago it was.
If you are looking for some songs to add to your warm-up CD, check some of my favorites out. These are also great for running or working out. Just good songs that get you pumped up.
1. Fatboy Slim – Right Here, Right Now
2. Kele – Walk Tall
3. Does It Offend You, Yeah – We Are Rockstars
4. Paul Oakenfold – Ready, Steady, Go
5. Saul Williams – List of Demands
Here are some that should be used strictly with headphones. Not for the kiddies.
1. Tupac – When We Ride On Our Enemies
2. Youngbloodz – Datz Me
3. Dr. Dre – The Next Episode
4. Lil Wayne – Go DJ
5. DMX – Party Up (What A Classic)
Now, I know there are plenty more. If you want to share your favorites, put it in the comments!
Unless you live under a rock, there’s no doubt that you knew yesterday was the World Cup final in South Africa. For those of you that do live under a rock, enlightenment is forthcoming. After one month, 32 teams, and 64 games, the final match was between the Spain and the Netherlands. Despite the best efforts of the Dutch, the Spanish triumphed in extra time 1-0 with an excellent finish from Andres Iniesta (special thanks to Cesc Fabregas for providing the assist.) I think that most would agree with me in saying the better side won the game. In spite of all the talk of this match being one for the purists, it was exactly for the opposite for nearly the entire 120 minutes that were played. Referee Howard Webb had to constantly stop play, mainly due to the brutal Dutch tactics. Aside from a few flashes of footballing genius from either side, the game was very stop-and-go throughout despite Spain having much of the possession. Congratulations to Spain and my condolences to the Oranje.
My hope is that, as a result of this tournament, football (soccer) will begin to catch on in this country. The United States’ pride and heart during their run and ESPN’s excellent coverage certainly should not hinder the progress. If the final was the only game of the tournament that you watched, I personally apologize for the poor show, as I am huge fan of the ‘Beautiful Game.’ I leave you with an amazing video from Madrid. Enjoy…
Unfortunately for us, we had to watch the greatest player in the game tarnish his image and the public’s perception of “The King” with an ESPN exclusive of Lebron’s soap opera. By allowing this to take place, he puts himself on a pedestal above every other sports star on the planet, basically stating his own perception of his importance to the world. I think it is a load of crap. There are a handful of other athletes that have accomplished so much more and have kept at least some sort of their humility intact…Roger Federer, Tom Brady, Phil Mickelson, and Sidney Crosby to name a few. Lebron has no championship ring, no finals MVP trophy, and no hometown as of today. Yet, for some reason he thinks his decision deserves an hour of primetime television. What did Jordan do when he came back from his stint in the minor leagues…he sent a note to his coach that said “I’m Back.” That is why the crown should forever stay on the greatest player to ever live. Lebron does not deserve the title “The King,” for all I care, we should give him a tiara for being the biggest drama queen professional sports has seen in a long time. He is a coward who turned his back on the organization and the city that gave so much to him. He traded his hometown and some of the most loyal fans in the country for a chance to go party in South Beach and play on the Miami All-Star Squad. Good luck playing 48 minutes a game next to Mike Miller and another washup in your starting five. That’s right, it doesnt matter because basketball is only played with one ball and these kids don’t know how to share. I hope they stay healthy throughout the season and don’t even make the finals.
The best part about all of this is this guy goes to a team that he cant even make his own. As long as D Wade is there, it will be his team and his city. Lebron’s best shot now is being the Prince of South Beach. His next step should be firing his agent and his whole PR firm cause they blow. Hire Ari from Miller-Gold and hope to hell that he wins at least 6 rings, otherwise he will be a failure.
