Women Like Sports

5 Questions About Gifts For Sports Fans

2009-11-23T07:53:00.000-08:00

I seem to get a lot of questions from people that go something like this:

"My (niece, son-in-law, friend) is a big fan of (insert sport here), what is a good gift for them?"

Being that it is that time of year when there are many gifts being exchanged I thought I would help out and make a few suggestions based on some of the questions have had in recent weeks.

1. What do I buy for a hardcore surfer?

First off, unless they specifically ask, don't buy them wax. Everyone has a particular preference and there are many types of wax so do everyone a favor and skip this one. What you can get that is both valuable to a surfer and easy on the wallet is a subscription to Surfline.

2. What would be a nice gift for a lady golfer?

All lady golfers are not created equal. Don't assume that simply because you have a woman on your list that is an avid golfer that she'll go crazy over a pink towel and tee set. Why not buy them a towel set that has a logo or activity that you know they are fond of other than golf and include a gift card? It seems more well thought out that way. The gift card can be to their favorite equipment store or to their local course.

3. My sister is a huge (sports team) fan, what's a good gift that isn't cheesy?

Cheesy would be their team shirt in the tired, old pink theme. Don't get me wrong, I have a pink Dodgers shirt and hat and a Buccaneers pink shirt also but I have many more that are the actual team colors. The NFL Shop online has some very cool styles but be careful assuming that the Alyssa Milano gear is the stuff that we all want. The truth is, unless the person you're buying for is petite and thin, many of these designs will fit poorly and annoy the recipient.

4. How do I buy my (sports fan) tickets to a game?

This can be tricky and pricey if you aren't careful. If you aren't a big sports fan yourself and haven't been to the particular venue, get some advice. While I would be grateful for Dodgers tickets in the Pavilion, the truth is I've never sat in those seats and would forgo buying for a particular game if that were all that was available. Bottom line - do your homework.

5. I'm lost - what should I buy for my (sport)-lover?

What else do you know about them? Do they have a local surf shop, golf supply, or mom and pop t-shirt shop they frequent? Why not get them a gift card there? If they are really regulars you can ask the folks behind the counter. Store personnel are a great source of information for gift-giving, especially in the independent shops. You might also try just a gift code to Amazon. They have a very large variety of sporting goods and a lot of great prices.

Good luck! What do you think is a good gift for a sports fan?

My Fantasy Football Team Bites

2009-11-20T07:16:00.000-08:00

I don't really care that both of my Fantasy Football teams are stinking up the place. Sure, I'd like to win. Honestly though, there is so much that is ruled by chance that you could spend hours and hours doing the research every week and still lose. We've got a trade deadline today and everyone is trying to get my QBs in both leagues. In one league I have Matt Schaub and Tom Brady and in the other I have Kurt Warner and Matt Schaub. One proposal asked for Matt Schaub for T.J. Houshmandzadeh. As if.

The most frustrating part about Fantasy Football this year? One of the commissioners! Check this out - this person sent me a text message and bet me $50 that the Magic would beat the Lakers in the Finals. This was before the Magic even won the last game. Yeah, you read that right - I got the text before the game was even over that the Magic clinched in. At any rate $50 is the buy in for the league. They want me to pay! What the heck? Am I crazy? Is this person being unrealistic? We both owe each other $50 so how is that not a wash? I'm a little peeved about it because they have been hounding for weeks and put up excuses like "we didn't shake on it". Now I got a threatening text this morning that my team would be deleted? I thought Fantasy Football was supposed to be fun?

Am I crazy? What would you do?

Mid-November Blogspotting

2009-11-19T06:14:00.000-08:00

Open Mic: The Women's Football Talk group has a new show that debuts tonight. Women's Football Open Mic will be hosted by Wendi Kali. Wendi has been a guest for 5 Questions as well.

Glam Slam: Speaking of football, today's post on A Glam Slam discusses the future of college football fashion. This is a newly launched blog, check it out!

Did I Already Share This? I can't remember if I ever shared the link to the Twitter Girls of Photo Ball Marker. PBM are a fun company with a fun product that is a great gift idea.

It's Getting Dark Earlier: This doesn't mean that you can't still try to squeeze in a round of golf in the afternoon. I tried this just over the weekend and so did Heather. I'm guessing my round was a bit warmer though.

Bad Golf: Yeah, I play plenty of bad golf myself. The One-Eyed Golfer has an interesting post about a documentary that covers a tournament that I want to enter. The Average Man Invitational has a big prize and very low requirements. I'm gonna try to catch the application window for next year and see if I can get in!

Wild World of Wednesday - November 18, 2009

2009-11-18T06:59:00.000-08:00

If you've been a frequent visitor over the life of this blog you will have noticed that I have a rather short attention span when it comes to sports. Bring the next shiny highlight on the screen and I've already forgotten what it was that I was doing in the first place. It doesn't bother me at all, I just go with it. Honestly, I don't understand why I should only follow one sport! For me, that would be completely impossible. Don't get me wrong - I truly admire those who can focus on only one sport. I would probably be a much better golfer if that was all I did. Heck, I know I'd really shred in the water if I only concentrated on surfing.

The wild thought I realized this morning was that I have barely written about much of anything but surfing and golf in the last few months. This hit me when I heard a news headline as I woke up and heard that the Galaxy are in the playoffs? Wow, where have I been? Disgusted with the whole Beckham thing last year I guess.

Actually, I have really been trying to DO as opposed to WATCH. Don't get me wrong, I truly enjoy being at a stadium or even watching a good match up on television. Over the last year I've really been more focused on DOING. I can't sit quietly for long periods of time. I've got to get out and be active.

No matter the season or region, there is something that you can be DOING. Seriously. Get off the couch or bar stool and do something.

What are you going to do?

Today In Sports History - The Birthday Edition

Happy Birthday to: Warren Moon, Gary Sheffield, David Ortiz, and Jason Williams

I'm Happy For Michelle Wie

2009-11-17T06:37:00.000-08:00

She has her critics and she has her fans and now Michelle Wie has her first LPGA win.

Bring her name up on certain forums and it's sure to polarize the crowd. Honestly, I've seen more bashing of this young player than anything else. Sure, there have been interesting choices made in her career but I just don't get why there is such animosity toward her. I mean really, she's just a young woman that plays golf. How is that so threatening? I can only imagine how she feels about everything that is said about her. Hopefully she just lets it roll off her.

This year is shaping up great for her though. First the Solheim Cup and now her win over the weekend! Congratulations Michelle! Here's to many more!

How do you feel about Michelle Wie?

5 Questions About Supporting Local Businesses

2009-11-16T07:23:00.001-08:00

What does this have to do with sports?

Yesterday I headed up PCH like I do every Sunday morning to hit my favorite surf spot. When I was almost there, I realized that I had left my surf booties at home. Knowing the spot I was going to was covered in a rocky bottom I was in for a rough time if I didn't stop and pick some up or drive back home and get mine. I wasn't far from a surf shop so I decided to stop.

I found a new pair at Zuma Jay's and had the pleasure of a conversation with Jay himself and his daughter. I should clarify - it was a pleasure to speak to them but what they had to say was not pleasurable at all.

Zuma Jay's has been around since the mid-1970s. Ever since I knew what surfing was, I knew what Zuma Jay's was. Everyone that surfed in or around the area from County Line to Venice and beyond were well aware of Zuma Jay.

So what's the problem? Well, this local brand used to have a few locations and was quite busy. Now, the "big box"-type retailers are pushing out the smaller, independent shops like this one. A local icon was now barely staying open. Surprise, surprise.

This is no different than most any other industry where the Wal-Marts, Dick's, Shoe Pavilions, and Golfsmiths are taking over. Small skateboard shops are replaced by Sport Chalet. The local clubmaker is out of business because a Roger Dunn moved close by.

Sure, I like a good mall or big store every so often but I really love the small, family-owned shops too. Zuma Jay's prices are as good and sometimes better than the big chains around town. In fact, many of the small shops like Zuma Jay's or Rider Shack have very competitive prices and something that the big stores can never give - personalized service. When I go to Rider Shack they remember me and each of my surfboards that I have purchased or brought in to repair. They even let me bring my giant bloodhound in the store with me to shop! I'll bet Jay will remember me also. In fact, I decided that I need to make more regular stops to make purchases at Zuma Jay's.

Now the questions - these are for you. Well, they're probably rhetorical but I wanted to get them out there:

1. What independent shops in your local area cater to your sport?

2. Do you patronize the independent, local shops more than big box retailers?

3. Which type of shopping experience do you prefer?

4. What would stop you from shopping at an independent shop?

5. Wouldn't you like to keep the variety out there and have the smaller, independent shops stay in business?

What Are You Doing This Weekend?

2009-11-13T07:14:00.000-08:00

If you're one of those surfers that likes to surf hurricane remnants please be careful. When I was in college on Florida's west coast I would watch everyone get out there and try to swim and/or surf in the hurricane-induced waves. Yes, watch...I'm not a big fan of surfing white water crap. At any rate, please be careful and know your limitations if you go.

If you're here in SoCal you can catch more surfable conditions this weekend and the Jim Beam Surf Tag finals in Huntington Beach. This first annual event has a relay competition where each surfer must catch three waves and then return to the beach to tag the next team member.

I'm going to hit the waves in the morning tomorrow and then play 18 around noon. I am going to finally load up that awesome new Mia Shawn bag that I won from Real Women Golf. I've got new shafts in my two new drivers and a new shaft in the 3-wood also. Oh yeah, I've even got some new balls to use - it will be just like my birthday! Woo!

What are you doing this weekend?

Director of Fandemonium Contest

2009-11-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

The inbox had some cool contest information this morning:

The NFL and Monster.com are currently engaged in the NFL Director of Fandemonium search. The NFL Director of Fandemonium position is a chance for a huge NFL fan to receive exclusive access to NFL events, including:

o NFL Draft: Announce a pick at the 2010 NFL Draft (April 2010)

o NFL Kickoff: Act as backstage talent wrangler at the 2010 NFL Kickoff concert (September 2010)

o NFL International Series: Participate in on-field introductions at the 2010 International Series Game (October 2010)

o NFL Thanksgiving: Serve as an on-field broadcast liaison for the NFL Network 2010 Thanksgiving Game (November 2010)

o NFL Super Bowl: Join the coin toss ceremony at Super Bowl XLV (February 2011)

o NFL Pro Bowl: Select a play from the sidelines during the 2010 Pro Bowl (January/February 2011)

o Publish blog posts on NFL.com and meet with top NFL executives

To enter, or refer a friend, you visit this website. The contest runs until 11/16. Sounds like a cool job to me! I put in my entry!

Wild World of Wednesday - November 11, 2009

2009-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

I Don't Care What You Say: I am a Phil Mickelson fan. At the beginning of the year my friends and I followed him at the L.A. Open like giggling schoolkids and enjoyed every minute of it. Yeah, I am probably biased since he's a tall lefty and SoCal native but we all find fandom in familiarity of some sort. I was excited when he won over the weekend at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai. Call him FIGJAM all you want, I think he's awesome.

Golfers Love To Shop: Pink Diva Golf has put together a “Girls Golf” Holiday Shopping Guide. The guide focuses on the online retailers that focus on women's golf. Check it out!

Philanthropy: From our friends at Fresh Air Fund: One out of four school children in the U.S. has vision problems, and 86% do not get their vision checked before age 12. Many Fresh Air children do not have access to affordable vision care. Glasses break, are too expensive to replace, or are never prescribed in the first place. And often as a result, children's performance in academics, sports and activities suffers.

For the fifth summer in a row, OneSight offered to bring their traveling optical clinic to all five Fresh Air Fund camps. Together with OneSight's Vision Vans – and a team of local doctors and volunteers, OneSight provides free eye exams and eyewear to thousands of children in need each year.

This summer at Fresh Air camp, OneSight's staff screened 3,295 children and counselors, gave 1,757 eye exams, and made 1,629 pairs of glasses, with 1,458 of them on-site and 171 specially driven in. The team stayed at Camp Hayden-Marks for two camp sessions, to make sure every child who needed the gift of sight was screened.

Although you might think some children would be reluctant to be prescribed glasses, most of them are delighted. They've been missing out on the world around them for too long. (Being able to pick out their own frames helps, too.) Our friends at OneSight told us about a boy at Camp Mariah who ran to the Vision Van before the team had even begun setting up in the morning. “You guys have the van, right,” he said, clapping and jumping up and down. “The one that I can get glasses from?”

Today In Sports History

1997 - The WNBA expands to Detroit and Washington, D.C.

Happy Birthday to Mark Sanchez

Yes, Bethany Hamilton Is Inspiring

2009-11-10T06:56:00.000-08:00

Last week I was posting about a few folks that I found inspiring. My posts were not inclusive as there are many folks that I find inspiring. Each does so for different reasons and some more than others.

One of my favorite surfing buddies asked me why I didn't mention Bethany Hamilton in these posts. Well, it certainly isn't because I don't find her to be a source of inspiration. She just wasn't on my radar that day.

Back in 2003 Bethany was only 13 but already an avid surfer. She was out in the water and the unthinkable happened when a shark bit off one of her arms. A lot of people would never get back in the water after that. Not Bethany. She is still shredding today. In fact, as I was surfing the internet over the weekend I noticed that there was a new video of her getting barreled. Check out her calendar on her website and you'll see that surfing is still her life.

Yeah, she's quite an inspiration.

The person that asked me why I didn't include her last week is pretty admirable herself. Check her out here.

5 Questions About project BLUE

2009-11-09T06:42:00.000-08:00

1. What is project BLUE?

It's not a charity. It's a plan of action.

project BLUE is an initiative by seven of the leading and competitive brands in surfing, who have come together to develop a co-branded, limited edition product line where a part of the proceeds go to the non-profit Surfrider Foundation. The goal of project BLUE is to give surfers and beach lovers an easy way to plug into Surfrider’s mission to protect to the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches.

2. Who is involved in project BLUE? Why is project BLUE unique?

The brands involved in project BLUE are a who’s who of surf. Billabong, DAKINE, Electric Visual, Famous Wax, Nixon, O’Neill, and Reef are the current partners.

To those with just a cursory knowledge of the surf industry, O’Neill and Billabong are obvious competitors. However, many of the project BLUE brands make bags (thus competing with DAKINE), Billabong owns a sunglass brand that competes directly with Electric, DAKINE makes traction pads that compete with Famous Wax’s pads...the list goes on.

3. What products are in the project BLUE lineup?

The products in project BLUE change regularly with each brand’s selling season, but the following is a brief overview of what each brand is contributing.

Billabong: The boardshorts for men and women, made from Billabong’s Eco-Supreme Suede fabric. Comprised entirely of recycled plastic bottles, Eco-Supreme Suede is responsible for diverting more than three million plastic bottles from landfills. Also in the lineup is the Platinum B9 wetsuit, featuring a shell made from 90 percent recycled materials.

DAKINE: The Recon (men’s) and Oceana (women’s) backpacks. Made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, each features and each featuring a seam sealed wetsuit pocket, insulated cooler pocket and other organizer sections.

Electric: All of Electric’s polarized sunglasses will fall under the project BLUE initiative in 2009. They’ll be shipped in packaging made from recycled materials with printing that uses soy based inks.

Famous Wax: Famous’ Green Label surf wax, which is petro-chemical free, along with professional surfer Timmy Curran’s Eco-Timmy traction pad, made from 40 percent recycled foam.

O’Neill: Each season O’Neill releases a collection of t-shirts and/or fleece for men and women, made from organic cotton and printed using soy based inks.

Reef: The Redemption Fanning sandal for men (made from recycled car tires, among other eco-friendly materials and feature a bottle opener integrated into the sole). The NWS sandal debuted in August and features an innovative construction that minimizes waste in the production process, in addition to using recycled materials.

Nixon: Four different watches, for men and women, with innovative features such as tide charts/ranges, in addition to unique crown placements ideal for athletic use.

I had the opportunity to test out one of the women’s watches by Nixon over the weekend, the Small Channel T for project BLUE. The watch has a limited-edition blue color and is Swiss made with a five-hand design with tide, moon phase, tidal range, and seconds sub-dials. There are quick adjusting buttons designed for easy setting of tide and moon phases and the watch is waterproof to 100 meters. The watch hands also glow in the dark.

Setting the tide and moon phase hands is stated simply in the directions that are included and quite simple to do. In addition to the easy-to-read format of the directions they have a silly sense of humor. At any rate, I set the tide on Friday night and it kept up with what the tide charts said for Saturday and Sunday. I was in the water both days during the morning high tide so I know it worked right. (The tide didn’t flatten out the waves for me completely, fortunately!)

The feature that is touted the most about this watch is that the dial placement on the crown is intended to stay out of your way during athletic activities and not dig into your wrist. I was quite interested in this feature, being a lefty. It had never occurred to me that this would happen as it hadn’t happened in the past for me. The moral of the story and lesson learned – wear this on your left wrist and it won’t dig into your hand when you surf.

Overall, I really like this watch and plan to use it regularly.

4. Who is behind project BLUE?

project BLUE was developed by Vipe Desai, a member of the Surfrider Foundation’s national board of directors and the director of marketing for Monster Energy. The goal of project BLUE isn’t to encourage consumerism, but rather, to help consumers support a charity that’s important to them in a fairly easy manner. Vipe believes philanthropy is a mature subject and organizing charity fundraisers or otherwise soliciting donations is a difficult task for many to participate in. project BLUE gives beach lovers an easy way to plug into Surfrider next time they find themselves in need of a new backpack or t-shirt.

5. Where can I find out more about project BLUE?

Current products, promotions and news updates are regularly posted to the project BLUE website and through the site’s presences on various social networks such as Twitter, Social Vibe, MySpace and Facebook.

The Inspiration Continues

2009-11-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am in one of those moods. If you can read between the lines over the last few weeks or so you may catch that I'm up against a bit of a challenging point in life. Nobody is sick, in trouble, or lost; I'm just taking on some new things and encountering a few speed bumps along the way.

When faced with adversity I look for sources of inspiration. No matter how many challenges I may be facing, there is definitely someone that has overcome more difficult circumstances. In addition, I believe that nearly everyone you meet is a source of inspiration in one way or another. You can take a page out of someone's book any time.

I've got a very busy day and rest of the year coming up so I am finding inspiration to succeed everywhere. I need to. Yes, I am in on how corny I am. Deal with it. I like to focus on being positive.

Here are a few other people that I can be inspired by on any given day:

Sofia Mulanovich: Check out the video and watch her surf. Enough said.

Lindsay Stordahl: Dedicated runner, outdoor enthusiast, animal advocate, and all-around cool chick. Lindsay's focus and dedication is something I enjoy following on her blog That Mutt.

Mike Southern: Golf instructor extraordinaire Mike is such a thorough and thoughtful writer. He's even taken on a lefty golfer and is writing an entire series about the golf swing that describes the lefty perspective. Check him out on his Ruthless Golf page.

I also have quite a few friends and colleagues that inspire me in little ways all the time and they just don't realize it!

Who inspires you? Where do you look to for inspiration?

Some People I'm Inspired By

2009-11-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

Today I just took a look around and decided to write about a few of the people that inspire me. Whether in a profound or simple way, everyone in today's post is someone that I admire and feel I can learn something from. This is not a complete list, just what I am feeling today:

Jesse Billauer: In 1996, Jesse's life completely changed when he became paralyzed in a surfing accident. Since then, he founded Life Rolls On and is back in the water. Life Rolls On exists to be a resource that provides hope and is an advocate on behalf of young people whose lives have been affected by spinal cord injury. His foundation merged with The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation this year.

Heather Jones: She's dedicated and focused on her goal. When she misses it by a fraction, she's got a sense of humor about it. Heather is the mastermind behind Real Women Golf.

Wendi Kali: She's determined that at age 40 she will have her best year of football. Follow her progress, dreams, and frustrations on her blog My WFA Days.

Wild World of Wednesday - November 4, 2009

2009-11-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

Cold Water Classic California: The O'Neill Cold Water Classic California is in Santa Cruz this week. You can catch live action online here. That reminds me of something a few friends and I used to do some years ago. We'd leave SoCal on a Friday night, sleep on a local's couch/floor, and wake up to surf Steamer Lane. Ah, those were the days.

Ski: Skier Grete Eliassen has a cool new video out. I was sent this teaser but don't have much other info about it. Even her website only has the video. Stay tuned.

Can I Just Say: I love scaring my fellow surfers, divers, and swimmers in the water. I especially love freaking those out who try to tell me that they just saw a shark because they are trying to make me nervous. That said, check out this picture. Now go take a swim. Haha!

Today In Sports History

1955 -Baseball Hall of Famer Cy Young dies at age 88

1988 - First NBA game at Charlotte Coliseum - Hornets lose to Cavs, 133-93

Happy Birthday Steve Mariucci

My First Surfing Competition

2009-11-03T05:59:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend I was a contestant in the Haunted Heats surfing competition that was hosted by ZJ Boarding House in Santa Monica. This was the first of what is planned to be an annual occurrence.

This was also the first time I entered a surfing competition of any kind. In spite of surfing for most of my life I am definitely not a pro. I also discovered that longer heats would really be very beneficial for my performance. A ten minute rest between catching waves would be great. It's a drag to realize that I'm not in optimal shape.

And no - I didn't win any of the awards. The viking was best costume, the Teletubbies were best surfing interpretation of their costumes, and the tiger shark was best overall. I did, however, score a very sweet swag bag from ZJ, make some new friends, and get some great pictures. In addition, how often do I get to have a group of friends come watch me act like a complete dork while I surf in a costume? I can't wait until next year.

ZJ has a flickr album with more event pictures and you can also follow them on Twitter. The shop also has a fan page and profile on Facebook as well. I also discovered a blog from another contestant that had a great costume!

This competition brought me to the realization that I need to be a bit more serious about my workout routine. I've slipped a bit lately. Although I spend several hours in the water every weekend it is not constant activity. When I am not being timed I sit on my board and catch my breath when I am tired. I'll chat with others while waiting for sets and just chill. Usually, a wave every 20 minutes is good for me. I need to step that up because spending time on the driving range and playing a round of golf every so often isn't contributing to my cause. Sure, I have great upper body strength but I really need to work on endurance!

What will I do? Well, to start I've got an elliptical trainer here at the house that is missing me quite a bit. We used to have a standing date at least 4 mornings a week. That starts again today. Wish me luck.

Oh, and what is my costume? Well, I called it the "undead ballerina". I had a lot of great suggestions and decided that I would go it on my own. The dress was something I picked up at a vintage shop that would not fall off since it was one piece. The gloves stayed on with the help of some bands. My makeup didn't budge since it was colored zinc oxide sunblock.

So who won my contest? Well, the suggestions were Burger King, Gorilla, baseball player, pink Power Ranger, gorilla, squirrel, dog, and a football. At the contest there was a gorilla (mask only with wetsuit) and the King. I have to give the best idea to the King because it was really funny to watch him surf! Congratulations Vince! Shoot me a note and let me know where to send your prize.

5 Questions With Another Football Star

2009-11-02T05:53:00.000-08:00

Social media rocks! I meet so many awesome athletes this way and today's guest is a great example of that. Wendi Kali is a dedicated football player that recently realized her dream of raising enough funds to attend the 2010 Women's Football Camp in Las Vegas in January. She is chronicling her training ups, downs, and lessons learned in her blog My WFA Days. You'll see her on the field with the Portland Fighting Fillies for the upcoming season. She's pretty amazing and I know you'll see what an inspiration she is after reading this - I'll let her introduce herself:

I was born in San Diego, CA and grew up in Escondido, CA. I spent a couple of years in the Marine Corps and had my son at a pretty early age. I spent 15 years, off and on, getting my degree in business finance while working full-time and supporting my son and me. Today my son is 19 and attends the Art Institute of Portland and is majoring in Media Arts & Animation. I graduated with a BS in Business from Portland State University in August 2007 and have worked for a chain of pubs & breweries in the Pacific Northwest as a Senior Accountant from October 2007 until now. This December I turn the big 40!

1. How did you get started in women's football? How long have you played? How long do you hope to play?

I first heard about the Portland Shockwave back in 2006 or 2007 and attended a few games in 2008 but, at the time, my schedule wouldn't allow for time to play and practice. At the end of 2008 a lot of things had changed in my life and I fell into a pretty deep depression. A friend of mine got me to finally go to a therapist to turn things around and while in therapy I decided to play for the Shockwave. Football, quite literally, saved my life. I had found my outlet and felt incredibly empowered by it. Last year was my rookie year and I hope to play for as long as my body will let me. It's such an incredible adrenaline rush and a great way to get out all of your frustrations.

2. How do you train for your position and what position(s) do you play? What is your ideal position to play and is there another position that you would prefer to play?

I play Offensive Tackle and Defensive End. I love to play defense and love being on the line because it's that much closer to the action and the quarterback. I haven't been able to get a number in the 'sack' column on the stats yet but I'm working on it. We've started our practices this past month and have been working mostly on form and technique but I've been working out at the gym two to three times a week plus I've been attending Bikram yoga classes this past week. I do some sort of work out every day and focus a lot on the muscle groups I need to perform on the line. I also work on my mind set and determination while working out. Focus, strength and determination are important in this game.

3. What are the biggest challenges playing football for you? The greatest rewards?

The biggest challenges playing football have been the physicality of it and the time commitment. I watch the NFL players and wish I was able to commit my day time hours to working out and getting better for myself and my team like they do. I hope that someday, women have the same opportunity as men do as professional football players. The greatest reward in this sport is accomplishment. We start together as a team and we learn and grow and win as a team. On a personal level the greatest reward for me is the opportunity itself. As a woman who grew up wanting to play baseball and football but didn't have the opportunity to do so because of my gender, I feel incredibly blessed to have this opportunity.

4. Who are some of your role models? What types of people make the best role models in your mind? To that effect, do you consider yourself to be a role model? Why or why not?

My Grandfather for his joyful outlook on life, His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his compassion, and Junior Seau and LaDanian Tomlinson for being excellent individuals both on and off the field. Any athlete that walks his/her talk, is passionate about their sport, looks to the positive side of life and is compassionate towards others are also great role models to me. People who rise above their life struggles and constantly strive to be better while helping those around them are excellent role models. To that effect, yes, I do consider myself to be a role model. I strive to always be that teammate everyone wants on their team. One they can trust, who supports them and encourages them and can also just listen when needed.

5. If you were asked to give a talk to young people (pre-teen) about playing football what are some of the things you would say to them?

Believe in yourself, always strive to be your best, keep a positive attitude and remember that you will never know all there is to know about football or the position you're playing. Just like in life, there's always more to learn.

I'll be sure to catch up with Wendi again in the near future to check her progress. You can find her on Twitter and follow her blog.

GOOD LUCK WENDI!!

Surfing In The Arctic

2009-10-30T06:57:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought the water temperature was dropping here in Southern California I see this video. Yes, there is a breed of adventurer that will travel all over the globe to surf in remote places. If only that was my job. Well, except I am not sure I could surf in Norway. My blood is far too thin to handle that. My dream job would be somewhere much warmer.

At any rate, wish me luck tomorrow in my Halloween surfing contest! I will have pictures and a recap as well as the winner of my costume suggestion contest next week.

Have a great Halloween weekend!

And The Whining Commences

2009-10-29T06:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, you can say there is no crying in baseball but I don't see Tom Hanks or a movie set anywhere so whine away I will.

This McCourt divorce thing has gone from annoying to absurd! Apparently the Mrs. traveled around Europe on "team business" with a subordinate and had an affair. Okay, as a fan that has been screaming for some real money to be put into the team I have to call BS. What the heck sort of team business is in Italy? It's great to know where my ticket money is going.

These owners disgusted me some time ago and this is the very first year that I can remember where I didn't buy any new Dodgers merchandise. Thank goodness! They don't freaking need any more of my money. In fact, since they are worth over a billion dollars, they don't need anyone's money.

They raised the price of parking to allegedly make it easier to leave the stadium. That didn't happen. They claimed that they were going to build neighborhood baseball fields instead of paying superstars. That didn't happen. Next, the big idea was to make a mall next to Chavez Ravine. Good thing that didn't happen - that was obviously a ploy to line their pockets more.

Now Jamie vows to get the funds to buy the team and Frank claims he's gonna keep the Dodgers. Great. These jerks are going to use a well-established, well-loved team as a negotiating chip in their freaking personal issues.

I understand that owning a team is a business and there are money-making decisions that have to be made that come with building the franchise. However, it has been abundantly clear from the start that the McCourts cared NOTHING about building anything but their bank account. They could have kept star players that they traded away or spent more on bringing some big bats. Instead, we get has-beens at the twilight of their careers. They took for granted that Chavez Ravine sells out game after game. If I was a conspiracy-theorist type I would ask if they are bitter since they failed to buy their hometown team in Boston.

I've asked before and I'll ask again - please just sell the team to new owners. Please get the heck out of my hometown - make that my entire home state and take your bickering back to the East Coast. Californians are sick of big-money, spoiled jackasses using our icons to satisfy their own selfish needs.

And yeah, that is how I really feel. Deal with it.

Wild World of Wednesday - October 28, 2009

2009-10-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

Surfing Reef: In college I was involved in fish counts for artificial reefs. We went out to the locations that the material was dropped, put on scuba gear, and surveyed the biological diversity with the primary researcher. Many times the reefs were designed with the purpose of bringing back diversity to the marine ecosystem and then are a haven for fishing and scuba diving enthusiasts. In Bournemouth there is a new reef designed to make better waves for surfing. The Boscombe Surf Reef is not a beginner spot and has drawn mixed reactions. Only time will tell if this is a success but I wonder about how it will change the natural patterns of wildlife and beach erosion and what the long-term effects are. Here is a tourist video of the reef at low tide:

Every Surfer's Nightmare: Last week a 40-year surfing veteran was swept out by the current and lived to tell about it. John Baker of Texas survived 14 hours at sea by finding his way to an oil rig after dark.

We've got some pretty good winds in California today so I just thought I'd post this to remind all of my surfing buds to be careful. It's always good to know your limitations, surf near a lifeguard or at least let someone know where you are, and come in when you're good and beaten up.

Today's Info Came From: These tidbits came from the Surfrider newsletter SOUP. Sign up for this email newsletter on the Surfrider website and get stories like this and more.

Today In Sports History

1952 - Babe Didrikson-Zaharias wins LPGA Women's Texas Golf Open

1997 - NBA announces hiring of Dee Kantner and Violet Palmer as first women to officiate a major-league all-male sports league

Now What?

2009-10-27T06:52:00.002-07:00

I got my "thank you fans" email from the Dodgers email list bot the other day. Yay. It had this link to "celebrate" the great season. Wow, great. Sure thing.

I am completely over celebrating NL West or division titles. Big whoop!

The owners are getting a divorce. I vote they sell the team and move back to the East Coast. I vote that Los Angeles natives with not only good business sense but an actual love for the team buy them. Here's your chance George Lopez.

Please, do something good Dodgers. Please stop me from writing another post that is whining or ranting about you.

Thanks!

5 Questions With Photo Ball Marker

2009-10-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

PhotoBallMarker.com is owned by B&B Software, Inc., a small private corporation located in Eugene, Oregon. Through Cascade Technologies (ctsoft.com), B&B Software, Inc. provides contractual computer programming and consulting services to local companies in the area. Though domain names like PhotoBallMarker.com, the company provides their own web services and products. Ken and Charlotte Barley are the sole stock holders of the company. Ken was kind enough to take a moment and be a guest for 5 questions.

1. How did Photo Ball Marker get started? What was it that you initially set out to do and how has that changed (if it has)?

Like many avid golfers in Eugene, Oregon we spend a lot of time wandering and shopping at Fiddler's Green, a famous golf shop just outside of town.

During one of our visits in June 2008, Charlotte and I were making our latest and greatest golf purchases, when I pointed to the display of ball markers and mentioned that it would be cool to have photo ball markers. Char normally shakes off my ideas for products I think are cool but this time she surprised me with her response. She thought it would be a very good product for golfers and make for a wonderful golfing gift.

We checked on the internet and found a few sites offering photo ball markers but not the type of product or website experience we envisioned. We strive to create a quality and long lasting ball marker and combine it with a nice website experience.

We worked hard over the summer perfecting our photo ball markers and building a website that is easy and fun to use.

We set out to create a cool niche golf product. Something unique, fun and simple. That's why the Three Photo Marker Set was the only option for most of the first year. It's very easy and quick for anybody to build a Set of Photo Ball Markers using this option. We envision PhotoBallMarker.com as being our retirement project, something we do in the mornings and then go golfing in the afternoon and watch the sunset, or if it's winter here, listen to the rain in the evenings. The direction we are going is seriously suggesting it will turn into something bigger than that, and that is fine also.

Our original vision for Photo Ball Markers hasn't changed but it is evolving. We've added the Build Your Own Set, which allows our users to build larger custom orders for Photo Ball Markers. Last Spring, Char made a customized team set of Photo Ball Markers for the Springfield Miller's Boys Golf Team (she is the head coach). Each Photo Ball Marker was customized with the player's name on it. The response from the players was amazing. We also, did a team set for Thurston High School. We have now have added this option to PhotoBallMarker.com and will start promoting the new team option after Christmas. We also are looking to do the same with group and business sets. We've done some logos and they have turned out very nice. Small businesses, golf groups, and tournaments will really like these.

2. Are you guys big golfers? How often do you get out and how's your game? You must have about 600 of your own markers or so?

Charlotte does have a significant set of Photo Ball Markers. She put a magnetic strip down the side of our refrigerator door, and has her personal collection of Photo Ball Markers hanging on the magnetic strip. But, she is third on the list of Most Photo Ball Markers. Two people in our family of users have more Photo Ball Markers than she does. That's cool...

Were avid golfers not big golfers (smile). I'm more of a wide golfer rather than a big golfer, but my kids would agree with the big part. But, I have been jogging and counting calories so I am trying to get less wide. It's working, I'm slowly getting less wide. Charlotte is a tall golfer, not a big golfer at all. She is in very good shape and is a very good athlete. Golfing is our major recreational activity. Were members at Springfield Country Club in Springfield, Oregon and that's where you can find us when were not at home. Charlotte is a past president and is serving again on the Board of Directors.

My handicap hangs around 12-13, like to get it under 10, just like everybody else in that handicap range. Our boys, not boys anymore, two in college Kelly and Kyle (University of Oregon) and one graduated, Chris (living in Las Vegas), are all very good players. They are 2-5 handicappers but claim they are better than that. We have pictures of them on the PhotoBallMarker.com site.

But Char is the best player. She carries a handicap that ranges between 7-10. Two years ago she missed going to the U.S. Open Women's Senior Amateur by one stroke. It's a goal of hers to play in that tournament, and she has come very close to accomplishing it the last two years. We go on a vacation every year to have her play in a qualifier, it's great fun. Been to northern California and Colorado. Looking to visit southern California or maybe Arizona next year. A little serious golf and a whole lot of less serious running around and enjoying the sites.

3. Who are your favorite golfers to watch in the PGA and LPGA? Which events do you enjoy the most in pro (or amateur) golf?

Tiger Woods is amazing to watch. But, not when he plays good, it's when he struggles he is the most fun to watch. When he is on he just blows the field away and it gets boring. But, when he is off a little and really having to compete he is at his best. His ability to just will his way into contention is amazing. Phil Mickelson is Char's favorite. He tries so hard to reach Tiger's level but Tiger's level remains just out of reach. The LPGA seems so lost without Annika Sorestam, they have a lot of terrific young players but without Annika the young players are missing that legend to beat. So they just beat each other and nobody really becomes the next super star. Annika needs to come out of retirement, if not for herself, for the LPGA. In Oregon, we don't get any PGA events and only one Senior and one LPGA event. We've gone to a few of the events live, but we rather play than watch. Like everybody, we like the major championships and the Ryder Cup and President's Cup. The Solheim Cup was also very fun to watch this year, Michelle Wie and Juli Inkster made it interesting.

4. Will you be expanding the Photo Ball Marker technology to other accessories? What about those little numbers on head covers or something like that?

We've been thinking about larger poker size Photo Ball Markers. That's something we will probably add in the future. Your head cover idea would be cool. We could have headcovers with magnets in them and then a big Photo Ball Marker on top of each head cover. You get the head covers and we'll create the Photo Ball Markers. Speaking of head covers, Charlotte made a really cool Photo Ball Marker for one of her head covers.

She has this Odie Head Cover and so she takes a picture of her head cover and makes a Photo Ball Marker out of it. She then puts a hat clip on Odie's floppy ear and puts Odie's Photo Ball Marker on his hat clip. So, Odie has his own Photo Ball Marker. It's so cool. Char uses that one when she needs to mark another players ball.

5. What else can we expect from PBM in the future?

Were just going to keep having fun doing this. "The Twitter Girls of Photo Ball Marker" is one example. It's just a fun way to promote Photo Ball Markers and some terrific Golf Blogs, like yours. The people we meet have been amazing. We enjoy seeing and working with their special photos. We also enjoy the stories behind some of the Photo Ball Markers. Our Comments Page is amazing. It's filled with a wide range of comments and stories. I think our Comment Page does a terrific job of saying what Photo Ball Marker is all about and what we want to be. I talk about that page on Twitter all the time, because those comments are who we are and who we want to be.

Photo Ball Marker is a special product for this reason. Our users create their set of Photo Ball Markers and have an expectation as to how they are going to look. With each order we send a confirmation showing exactly what they are going to look like. But, when their order arrives in the mail and they open it up for the very first time and see their Photo Ball Markers they are amazed and a little surprise. They turn out better than they imagined. I call that the "Charlotte Magic" and I don't know how she does it either. This is a very special thing about Photo Ball Markers and the opposite of how most things work in this world! It's what makes our product very special, and we are very very proud of that.

Surfing Cracks Me Up

2009-10-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

I was talking about surfing with a friend of mine yesterday (actually, I use that term "friend" loosely). This person has lived here about two years and is one of those that thinks they are telling me new, exciting things to do in my hometown all the time. They never stop to think that I probably already have done it or know about since I grew up here and all. Anyhow, that is a different rant.

So back on track - this person made me realize how much surfing really cracks me up.

When I was a kid the "locals only" theme was quite prevalent. I mean bad. I watched people do some really stupid things over the years. I'll spare you the gory details.

Lately, it seems like worrying about what everyone else thinks is the really big deal. Some are quite concerned with using the correct lingo and others are freaked out about having the right brand of wetsuit. The person that I was referring to earlier is one of these that worry about both and much more. They try very hard to look the part, say the right thing, surf the right break, etc.

Other sports are no different. For example, golf is notoriously "clicky" and affected as well. Don't scowl, you know it is. You surfers know that surfing is too. Go ahead - flame, hate, whatever. You know I'm right.

What's the point today? I guess I don't really have one. I was simply observing how, if you let it, attitudes of those that participate in your favorite activities can bring you down. Down let them.

It's all pretty funny to me. On the course or in the water - I really don't give a rat's rear what you think of me or how I look. I've never needed to make sure I have all the right equipment or gear to fit in.

Relax, surfing is supposed to be fun. So is golf.

No Major Rant Here - Just A Small One

2009-10-22T05:25:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Phillies fans! Off to the World Series again!

I could rant and rave and answer all of that crap I've heard all night about Los Angeles. You know, all that stereotype garbage that transplants and baseball fans in other cities like to spout off? I'm not going to do that.

It occurred to me - why bother? You've made up your mind. You should just go with it!

I mean seriously, there is a completely different world when you are born and raised here. First off, 85% of the people surrounding you are too.

We aren't star gazing, trying to be discovered, getting surgery, spending our last dollar on a knock-off Prada bag, being seen where there is a scene, or trying to "dress the part".

If I know you I just might take you to that surfing or hiking spot that you would only know about if you grew up here. One day I just might share the route I take to Chavez Ravine or Staples that makes it easier.

Then again I might not.

I'll only offer this grouchy statement - if you hate us, please leave. I won't come live in your hometown and complain about how awful it is and how mine is better. I know mine is better for me.

That's why I'll never leave.

I love LA!

Wild World of Wednesday - October 21, 2009

2009-10-21T05:16:00.000-07:00

Another Contest, Just From Somewhere Else: I was sent the link to today's video with a website and some information about a new contest. The whole thing is promoting LASIK for those of us who participate in water sports. Watch the video and go to the website to learn how you can win prizes valued up to $5,000.

Here's some copy from the source:

It’s no secret that many of our beaches/lakes/rivers are polluted. What many people don’t know is that soft contact lenses absorb this polluted water. As if that weren’t enough to make you think about getting your eyes fixed, did you know that using contact lenses in water causes them to stick to an eye’s cornea for up to 30 minutes and if someone tries to remove them before they loosen up, damage or infection could occur.

Out in the woods, whether hiking, biking or camping, we all know that the trails are far from a sterile environment. That being said, if you do wear contacts, you need to be extra careful to keep make sure your hands a clean before you touch your lenses, especially on overnight trips. Bringing solution or spare glasses can add unwanted bulk, but that’s better than getting an infection or not being able to see because your primary set of glasses broke while mountain biking!

A big misconception with LASIK is that there's a ton of downtime and the procedure hurts. In reality, LASIK is virtually pain free and uses lasers, not blades, to help correct your vision. Downtime is only about one to three days, depending on what it is you want to do.

Visit This Press Release: Click here to read about the Southern California Breakers tryout dates. Spread the link around to your friends and ask them to click it as well. The more clicks, the more chance the information gets picked up by larger news sources.

Don't Forget My Contest: Remember to enter my silly contest. You have until this Friday, October 23.

Today In Sports History

1979 - Ozzie Newsome begins NFL streak of 150 consecutive game receptions.

Happy Birthday to Willis McGahee and Whitey Ford

Another Tuesday Blogspotting

2009-10-20T05:23:00.001-07:00

Today's video is from an upcoming surf flick that looks ultra cool. Why do I have to go in to the office today...I need to retire so I can just surf and golf. Oh and look at how cool this surfboard is that I saw the other day. Nice.

Speaking of cool, check out these irons. If only Fourteen had readily available lefty clubs. Speaking of cool clubs, I REALLY WANT this putter (in lefty, of course). Yes, I have an addiction to collecting golf clubs and surfboards. It could be worse.

Oh yeah, just what is up with Tiger Woods and appearance money?

Hockey season is upon us and our pal Casey is about the Penguins for KDKA, the Pittsburgh CW affiliate. Cool!

Oh and back to the water - have you ever surfed at night? I found an interesting story about such an adventure.

Don't forget to enter the latest WLS contest here: I'm having a contest to help me with a contest. Just click this link and leave me a comment about what costume you think I should wear for the Halloween surfing contest that I'm entering.