Blogging for Fitness: Interview with Julia Buckley

Michael Luchies

Photo courtesy of Ciaran Hanway
Entering the term ‘fitness blogs’ on Google returns around 559 million results. Fitness- and health-related topics are some of the most searched and blogged-about subjects on the internet today. From the newest diet pill to marathons, there is an endless stream of information and resources on health-related items.

Though I have tried diet pills, products that promise a six-pack, fasting, juicing, and many other dieting options, the only real results that I have been able to achieve and keep have been from training and exercise. Marketers and drug companies have done a fantastic job convincing people that a supplement or drug can get you in shape, but exercise and physical training is time tested and a fixture in any routine that leads to a healthy and fit lifestyle. When looking for fitness information, I now look for natural and exercise based fitness programs and trainers…

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Healy Sportswear: Custom Uniforms for All Sports

For the coaches that once played the sport they now coach, we know how important looking and feeling good can be for a child’s confidence and ultimately, how they play.  Putting on a new uniform and a new pair of shoes used to make me feel like I could run faster, jump higher, and no one could stop me.

As a coach, we care about how our team looks both on the field and court, and how their uniforms look. As a basketball coach I often could determine a lot about a team by their uniforms.  A team that had mismatched jerseys that looked like they hadn’t been washed in weeks was usually not well-organized or well-coached.

Healy Sportswear provides custom uniforms online with unmatched customer service and quality.  Healy Sportswear was founded by Danny Lee, who I interviewed about Healy Sportswear and their dedication to creating the best customer experience and service for all of their clients.

Michael Luchies:  What sets Healy Sportswear apart from competitors?

Danny Lee: We offer the fastest turnaround time for our customers. While competitors can take 4-6 weeks, Healy Sportswear can deliver in 2-3 weeks.  For rush orders, we can create and deliver uniforms in as fast as 5 days.  We also have an unbeatable price guarantee.  If you can find any company that offers a lower price, we will not only match that price, but give you an additional 5% off.

Michael Luchies: What are some things for coaches and team managers to consider before ordering uniforms?

Danny Lee:  Price, quality, and turnaround time.  Another benefit of choosing to work with Healy Sportswear is that we can fill small orders, while other companies require large quantities.  We have great customer service and will help you design your team’s uniform.  For help with your design, email us at: design@HealySportswear.com.

Make sure to visit HealySportswear.com for your uniform needs.  Reach Healy Sportswear Toll Free, 1-866-774-6219.

 

 

 

Rare Deacon Jones Autographed 1984 World Series Ticket Stub for Sale on eBay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111101967482?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

 

This ticket is one of a kind as it is signed by Deacon Jones as a San Diego Charger, a team he only played with for two seasons of his HOF career.  Deacon did not autograph much, and usually autographed ‘HOF’ on items after 1980.

See the listing here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/111101967482?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

 

Sponsored Post: Best Tools for Managing a Recreational League Sports Team

 

 

Coaching a recreational sports team also comes with additional responsibilities, including team management unless you have a designated team manager. As a basketball coach for a church league basketball team in Michigan, I was also responsible for all management duties, which turned out to be just as hard as the duties of coaching.

Being a coach for a team without a team manager results in needing contact information for all team members, other team leaders, the organization that manages the league, records of the costs of the team, team statistics, schedule changes, and more. There are several tools available to help with managing a recreational sports team. This article looks at several items that I have found useful as a coach and team manager.

Best Team Management Tools

– Arrange My Game: Arrange My Game is a free sports team management application that allows you to manage multiple teams, arrange games and events for teams, contact team members, find out the availability of venues, handle payments, and setup a team page while managing social networking pages. This is the most complete app I have found and is a lifesaver for coaches and team managers.

– Scoring Book: If you want a hard copy of your team’s statistics, make a small investment in a team scoring book. The information can then be transferred to an App like Arrange My Game or an online spreadsheet to share the information with team members and the league. Players enjoy having their game-to-game statistics regardless of what sport you are coaching. Having that information available to them is a great idea.

– Binder: I am not the most organized person. Trying to keep all of the relevant documents together and easily accessible for team members was becoming a problem. Buy an inexpensive binder and invest in a few dividers to separate the sections of information. You should be able to find one for under $5.

– Website: Even if website design is not one of your skills, having a team website is a great idea for many reasons. From promoting and celebrating your players and team to giving a place where people can find out information on your upcoming schedule and funding needs if you plan to raise money through the site, having a website for your team is a powerful resource.

– Social Media Pages: Isn’t a website enough? Well….no. You should have a Facebook page for your team at the very least. Friends and family can track your teams’ upcoming games, player information, and support your team through sharing information with others in their network. You should have both a website and social media pages. You can also manage your social media tools through the Arrange My Game application mentioned above.

Summary

Being a coach today means doing a lot more than it did a couple of decades ago. You are expected to lead a team, provide all members with relevant information, track statistics, and keep everyone happy. Before your season starts, make sure to invest in some tools and products to make your job easier and to make your players happier.

Sources

Arrange My Game

 

2013 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Candidates

For full article, please read here on Yahoo! Voices

The 2012 NFL Draft featured three quarterbacks that had fantastic rookie seasons that all contended for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Although there were not as many highly touted quarterback prospects, there are plenty of offensive players that should make solid contributions to their new NFL team during their rookie season. Here are the top candidates for the 2013 Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.

– WR Tavon Austin – St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams lost two of their top three receivers from 2012 in Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson. Through the 2013 NFL draft the Rams gained a huge playmaker in Tavon Austin from West Virginia. Austin fills a large need for the Rams and should get plenty of opportunities to prove his worth and contend for the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.

– RB Le’Veon Bell – Pittsburgh Steelers
Running back Le’Veon Bell was not expected by many to be a 2nd round pick, but the PittsburghSteelers selected him with the 48th overall pick. Bell had a solid career for the Michigan State Spartans and should be able to win the starting running back spot over Jonathan Dwyer. Bell has nearly 1,800 yards for the Spartans last season and fits the Steelers’ offense perfectly with his size and ability to absorb hits and break tackles.

– RB Eddie Lacy – Green Bay Packers
Eddie Lacy was projected by many to be the first running back selected in the NFL Draft, but ended up being the 4th taken by the Green Bay Packers. Lacy fills a huge need for the Packers who have struggled on the ground for the past few seasons. Although the Packers run a passing offense, expect Lacy to get the load of the work on the ground for the team and a solid opportunity to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year.

– WR Keenan Allen – San Diego Chargers
Although wide receiver Keenan Allen somehow slipped to 76th overall in the 3rd round to the San Diego Chargers, he is one of the most talented offensive players of the 2013 NFL Draft class. His draft stock fell due to some injury concerns and poor play at quarterback during his time with the University of California. Look out for Allen to become the top target for quarterback Phillip Rivers, and to flourish in the Chargers’ offense.

For full article, please read here on Yahoo! Voices

 

Sponsored Post: Is Ultimate Cycler Your Key to the Money Machine?

 

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Not ‘If’ but ‘When’: Interview with BANGS Shoes’ Hannah Davis

There is something extremely exciting and encouraging about the development and explosion of young entrepreneurs making a difference and impacting the world through their businesses. Hannah Davis, founder of BANGS shoes is a strong example of a passionate young entrepreneur who is making a difference while doing something she loves.

Hannah’s journey to turn BANGS from an idea into a reality is one that would have left a weaker person far behind. Her passion and perseverance would not allow her to fail or even to consider giving up. Even through what seemed to be an endless battle of finding a manufacturer and gaining the resources to produce her product, Hannah knew that it was not a matter of ‘if,’ but ‘when,’ as she explains in the following interview.

General Business Information
Company: BANGS Shoes
Founder: Hannah Davis
Date Founded: June 2010
City/State: Charleston, SC
Current Employees: 1 person on BANGS payroll
Website: http://www.bangsshoes.com/

Read the full article here: Not ‘If’ but ‘When’: Interview with BANGS Shoes’ Hannah Davis

Detroit Lions Free Agents to Sign; 2013 NFL Offseason

The Detroit Lions are in desperate need of change after a 4-12 season that followed a year in which they made the playoffs in 2011. The Lions have many needs as they will lose a significant amount of their roster due to free agency. Cliff Avril, Louis Delmas and Chris Houston are free agents, and the team recently released Titus Young, Stephen Peterman and Kyle Vanden Bosch.

If the Lions plan on being a contender in 2013, relying on their current roster is not an option. The team must have a solid draft, but before that, they must acquire talent through signing free agents. General Manager Martin Mayhew recently stated; “I do think that we plan to make some moves .”

Although they will first attempt to focus on re-signing many of their current players, this article focuses on the top 5 free agents that the Detroit Lions should pursue this offseason that were not formerly on the team.

#1. WR – Greg Jennings (29, Formerly with Green Bay Packers)
Greg Jennings has been seen on more Old Spice commercials than highlight clips recently. Although he battled injuries this past year, he is still one of the most dependable wide receivers in the NFL and a Michigan native. Due to those recent injury concerns, the Lions may be able to add him inexpensively. Playing opposite of Calvin Johnson would be an attractive option for Jennings, and the ties to his home state should make the move to Detroit more attractive than going to another team. It seems like a feasible option and the team needs help at receiver after releasing Titus Young and having both Nate Burleson and Ryan Broyles recovering from injuries. I think this is a likely scenario and a good fit for Greg Jennings and the Lions.

#2. OG – Andy Levitre (26, Formerly with Buffalo Bills)
As one of the most reliable and sought after offensive lineman in the NFL, Andy Levitre will come with a steep price tag this offseason. Many teams will pursue the guard as they try to strengthen their offensive line. The Lions would be foolish to not at least kick the tires on Levitre after releasing starting guard Stephen Peterman. At only 26, he has a lot of good years ahead of him and would help keep Matthew Stafford on his feet. Expect the Lions to make at least one big signing if not two, and Levitre would be a great addition to the team.

#3. OT – Branden Albert (28, Formerly with Kansas City Chiefs)
Branden Albert will be a free agent in March and will be a highly coveted tackle. The Kansas City Chiefs will attempt to re-sign him, but there is a good chance he will see what other teams are willing to offer. The Detroit Lions will need need most if not all of their available salary cap room to sign him, but they plan to make several changes and may be able to clear enough room to add him to the roster. Albert is a solid tackle and would become the best lineman on the Lions roster.

#4. S Chris Clemons (27, Formerly with Miami Dolphins)
The 27 year-old Chris Clemons had his best season in the NFL this past year. Clemons had a career best 99 tackles, 2 interceptions, 4 pass deflections, and 3 tackles for loss. The Dolphins will have to decide if they want to re-sign Clemons even though they have another strong safety in Reshad Jones. The Lions could use safety help even if they are able to bring back Louis Delmas. Without Delmas, bringing in someone like Clemons becomes a priority.

#5. CB Derek Cox (26, Formerly with Jacksonville)
Derek Cox is a 6’1 cornerback who is still improving at the age of 26. The Lions need secondary help, and Cox would be a great addition. In the past four seasons he had 12 interceptions, 203 combined tackles and 32 pass deflections. The Lions would be able to afford Cox and he is a much needed talent as the Lions are known for having a weak secondary. If the Jacksonville Jaguars are not able to re-sing him, look for the Lions to pursue him.

Sources
Detroit Lions

National Football Post

Undraftable; Top 10 2013 NFL Fantasy Football Players Not to Draft

Original article published here by Michael Luchies on Yahoo! Voices

 

If you have played fantasy football for a number of seasons, it is very likely that you have drafted a couple of fantasy busts. Relying on a player to lead your team only to have them suffer an injury or perform far below expectations is a hard pill to swallow. To help you avoid a potentially disastrous fantasy football draft, I have compiled this list of the top 10 overall players to stay away from in 2013, and reasons why.

#10. Any Detroit Lions WR Not NamedCalvin Johnson
Do not use any fantasy draft pick on a Detroit Lions wide receiver that is not named Calvin Johnson. Nate Burleson is coming off of a broken leg and is past his prime, Ryan Broyles is recovering from an ACL injury and will probably not start the season, and Titus Young has been cut from the team. Broyles may be worth picking up as a free agent once the season has started, but don’t bother drafting him due to the uncertainty of his ability to stay healthy and contribute. The only way I would consider drafting a Lions receiver is if they made a big signing during free agency like Michigan native and former Green Bay Packer Greg Jennings.

#9. Vernon Davis – TE San Francisco 49ers
Vernon Davis did not have a strong year from a fantasy perspective. In the last 13 games of the 2012 NFL season Davis scored only one touchdown and had 11 games in which he had less than 40 yards receiving. He finished the year with 41 receptions, 548 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns. Although he did have a couple of good games in the postseason, his regular season performance is a warning sign to all fantasy owners. Even with a weak class of tight ends available, there are many options better than Davis.

#8. Willis McGahee – RB Denver Broncos
The 31 year old Willis McGahee averaged 4.4 yards per carry and finished the regular season with 731 yards rushing, 4 touchdowns and 5 fumbles. The team will have to make a decision as to what they want to do at the running back position, but even if they go McGahee, he is not a dependable option and is recovering from injuries. Don’t draft McGahee unless he is still available near the end of your draft.

#7. Darren McFadden – RB Oakland Raiders
Darren McFadden is not an elite running back. In 2012, McFadden averaged a career worst 3.3 yards per carry and gained just 707 yards rushing with 2 touchdowns. He has struggled with injuries every season, missing a total of 23 games in five years in the NFL. Let someone else waste a draft pick on him this season, he is no longer worth the hype.

#6. – Andrew Luck – Indianapolis Colts
He will continue to improve and he did take a surprising Indianapolis Colts team to the playoffs, but Andrew Luck did not have that good of a season from a fantasy perspective. Luck was 26th in the NFL with a quarterback rating of 76.5 and threw the 2nd most interceptions (18). Second year options Robert Griffin and even Russell Wilson are better draft picks than Andrew Luck. Luck will get respect in your fantasy draft, but he doesn’t deserve it quite yet.

#5. Michael Turner – RB Atlanta Falcons
Michael Turner had an impressive 10 touchdowns, but that was the end of his impressive statistics in 2012. He will be 31 at the start of the season and only averaged 3.6 yards per carry. Jacquizz Rodgers looks like the new starting running back for the Atlanta Falcons this season and is also a pass catching threat, which Turner is not. This is the last year of Turner’s contract with the Atlanta Falcons, which may give him some added motivation, but don’t expect anything extraordinary out of him.

#4. Mark Ingram – RB New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints were 25th in rushing last season and did not give Mark Ingram enough carries to be a relevant fantasy starter. Ingram led the team in rushing with only 602 yards. You have no reason to hold out hope for the Saints to get the most out of their talented running back.

#3. Ryan Matthews – RB San Diego Chargers
The 25 year old Ryan Matthews is a waste of a fantasy draft pick. He finished the 2012 season with 707 yards rushing and only 1 touchdown. The Chargers were 27th in rushing and although there are not many other running backs on the roster that look ready to take over the lead role, Matthews isn’t up to the task to lead this offense or earn a spot on your fantasy team.

#2. Larry Fitzgerald – WR Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals’ wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald broke the hearts of many fantasy owners with his lackluster performance. Although he is arguably one of the best receivers in the league, the Cardinals don’t have a reliable quarterback. He finished last season with 71 receptions, 798 yards receiving, and 4 touchdowns. Until the Cardinals get a serviceable option at quarterback, there is not much value in their receivers in terms of fantasy. It is hard to ignore such a great player during your fantasy draft day, but you must leave Fitzgerald on your draft board instead of taking a risk.

#1. Michael Vick – QB Philadelphia Eagles
Michael Vick’s future with the Philadelphia Eagles is in question, but I believe no matter what, his career as a fantasy football starter is over. Vick does not appear to have many seasons left in his battered body and is a risk to get injured everytime he steps outside of the pocket. In 2012, Vick had 10 interceptions with only 12 passing touchdowns. Vick has gone from a fantasy stud to undraftable.

*All Statistics from ESPN via ESPN.com

Sponsored Post: Online Fundraising for Nonprofits; Why Create a Cause on Dibbee?

Hello NFL Fans!

Are you a part of or passionate about a non-profit or school?

Why create a cause on Dibbee ? It sounds cliché, but why not!?

A more detailed and educated response is – you should create a cause on Dibbee because it helps you raise more donations for the schools, churches and/or non-profits that you believe in and love. Is there any reason that you would not want to help do more to help the organizations you care about?

I have worked in the non-profit industry for several years through the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO). As someone who cares about a nonprofit that does a lot of good, I am always on the lookout for something to help with fundraising. We work on acquiring sponsorships, making new partners, searching for grants, and asking for our supporters to donate. Something we haven’t done yet, is to find an effective way to collect money, a problem that Dibbee addresses head on.

I now plan on utilizing Dibbee to help students raise money that they need to attend our National CEO Conference. This tool will allow more students to attend and for us to provide a better event to a large group of motivated students. Check out the cause I created for CEO here.

Whether you want to fundraise for donations in person, online, or both, Dibbee is a great choice for all of your fundraising efforts, or a great supplement to what you are already doing. Instead of keeping 40-50% of the profits like most fundraisers, Dibbee wants you to raise more and keep more.

-Michael Luchies