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Fighting Malaria

Soccer

Macoumba Kandji of the Houston Dynamo (photo via Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com)

Dynamo star who overcame malaria fights for something bigger than MLS Cup, David Beckham

Nothing But Nets, a global, grassroots campaign that raises awareness and funds to fight malaria, got the kind of start not even the most talented writer could script — unless of course your name is Rick Reilly. Back in 2006, the then-Sports Illustrated columnistwent to his attentive audience and asked for help, “I’ve never asked for anything before, right? Well, sorry, I’m asking now.”

Like many, Reilly realized an imminent need for something and wanted to see just how powerful his voice was. His mission was to help kids who were dying at unprecedented numbers from malaria, a disease spread by just a single mosquito bite. A simple inexpensive net would prevent the spread of the disease and in turn save thousands of lives.

His request was simple: “Donate $20. Bang. You might have just saved a kid’s life,” was the closing line to the article, which later proved to be life changing for so many.

Statistics show that a child dies from malaria every 60 seconds. Kandji was one of the lucky ones.

Nothing But Nets (NBN) was born and the campaign has continued to remain strong, thanks in part to many folks in the sports world. One Houston athlete taking a stand is Houston Dynamo forward Macoumba Kandji.

Kandj is no stranger to the devastating disease and he is asking for help that goes far behind the game even as he prepares to play one of the biggest games of his life — the MLS Cup vs. the LA Galaxy on Saturday.

Kandji, who goes by “Mac”, volunteered to be a spokesperson for the NBN campaign because he knows firsthand the effects of malaria. At the age of 14, Mac was hospitalized for malaria. Born in Senegal and raised in Gambia, Kandji knows malaria is a sad truth for many kids growing up in those areas and throughout Africa.

Statistics show that a child dies from malaria every 60 seconds. Kandji was one of the lucky ones, not only overcoming the disease, but also becoming a professional soccer player with one MLS title already under his Adidas belt.

Macoumba Kandji of the Houston Dynamo (photo via Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com)

Having already scored four goals this season for the Dynamo, Mac is now focusing on two kinds of nets — one he hopes to kick a goal in against the star-studded LA Galaxy (you might have heard David Beckham is playing his last game for them), and another that can save the lives of millions of children throughout Africa.

‘What they [NBN] do is just amazing. I told them my story and that I wanted to help. I want to do everything I can to help the kids in Africa and protect them,” Kandji says. “They are saving lives.

“As human beings, we should all want to help and I’m asking my fans to do whatever they can to help protect kids so they don’t have to go through what I went through as a kid.”

Sobering Statistics

There are more than 200 million cases of malaria each year, and more than 600,000 of those infected die from the disease, mostly in Africa. Children under five are at greatest risk — accounting for more than 90 percent of deaths from malaria. The World Health Organization reports that half of all families in sub-Saharan Africa have at least one bed net, and malaria rates have plummeted by more than a third in the past decade.

Nothing But Nets provides everyone — from students to CEOs, bishops to basketball players — the opportunity to join the fight against malaria, a leading cause of death among children in Africa, by giving $10 to send a net and save a life.

“As human beings, we should all want to help and I’m asking my fans to do whatever they can to help protect kids so they don’t have to go through what I went through as a kid.”

“Sports is part of Nothing But Nets’ DNA,” says Chris Helfrich, director of Nothing But Nets. “Mac Kandji understands firsthand what it means to suffer from malaria. Having a soccer star like Mac spread the buzz in support of our campaign means that many more fans will join the fight against malaria and protect families in Africa from this deadly disease.

“Helping is so simple: It just takes $10 to send a net and save a life.”

While passionate and very much focused on helping NBN as an official spokesperson, Mac is also still fully focused on the championship trophy.

“Once we got in [the playoffs], we just started beating teams,” he says. “This team is really strong and deep.”

This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the sport’s section.

November 30, 2012/by Jayme
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/e9b783fc746b3dfe73741680023043fc.jpg 600 800 Jayme https://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.png Jayme2012-11-30 18:33:082013-01-07 18:38:27Fighting Malaria
Owen Daniels Plays Football and Loves House Music

Owen Daniels

Football
Owen Daniels Plays Football and Loves House Music

Owen Daniels Plays Football and Loves House Music

Owen Daniels: For the Love of House Music

A funny thing happens when you tell a professional athlete that you’re willing to interview him about whatever he wants. Without pressure to talk about a recurring and nagging knee injury, a recent bad play Chris Berman probably called him out on repeatedly, or some negative slant the media is currently overanalyzing, what happens is pretty awesome: they usually loosen up and show a really fun side; sometimes an unexpected one.

That’s what happened when I sat down with Owen Daniels, tight end for the Houston Texans. The 6-foot-3 Naperville, IL native who rocked an awesome dirty blonde side-part and dressed head-to-toe in Jordan was given the green light to talk about whatever his heart desired. His 7-year tenure with the Texans, his recent engagement to a gorgeous Houston attorney, what his chances of a second Pro Bowl are, any riffs on the team, etc, but Daniels chose to gush about his love for house music.

To read this full story about Owen Daniels and his love for the beats and house music, click over to Man Cave Daily.

November 28, 2012/by Jayme
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/20120930_pjc_ad1_222.0_standard_352.0.jpg 234 352 Jayme https://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.png Jayme2012-11-28 15:40:422012-11-28 15:42:37Owen Daniels

Tight End’s Guide to Houston

Football

Owen Daniels and fiance Angela Mecca (photo via Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com)

A hunky tight end’s guide to Houston: Owen Daniels reveals where he hangs and his secret hip-hop cred

he 10-1 Houston Texans are stronger than ever, tied for the best record in the entire NFL, and, for the first time in their 10-year franchise history, part of the overanalyzed talk of being one of the Super Bowl favorites. Houston, the city, is also on a high, having taken the No. 1 spot on the Forbes list of America’s Coolest Cities To Live not so long ago.

According to the Forbes’ article, “cool” was based off Merriam-Webster’s definition of “very good; fashionable.”

Tight end Owen Daniels, the guy many consider to be the most social Texan (with apologizes to Connor Barwin), feels that Houston most definitely fits that description. Daniels, one of the main weapons in the Texans offense with 47 catches for 555 yards and six touchdowns, says that even if his football career eventually takes him elsewhere, Houston is where he plans to continue to call home.

I sat down with the 6-foot-3, 249-pound, newly-engaged tight end, who was dressed in all Jordan, and asked about all this new hype for his team and his city and the stereotypes synonymous with Texas.

“I’ve always been a rap/hip hop guy . . . I’m from the mean streets of Naperville, Illinois.”

The 30-year-old Daniels, who has spent all seven seasons of his NFL career in Houston, admits the pickup stereotype is “so true.” “I swear there’s gotta be one pickup truck for every car that’s out there,” he says. “I don’t know anywhere outside of Texas you’ll see so many pickup trucks.”

The Chicago-area native quickly debunks one popular misconception though. “I don’t think Houston is as country as people think,” Daniels says. “It’s a big city so you get every walk of life here — it’s a great mix of people. It’s not all cowboys and big teased hair.”

When asked to describe Houston in one word, Daniels claims he does not have a “great vocabulary” but chooses “sprawling.” “Even as big as our city is, it’s always growing and so spread out,” he continues.

Tight End, Owen Daniels (photo via Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com)

This is one professional athlete who actually really knows the city he plays in. Here is Owen Daniels’ Visitors Guide to Houston:

Where to stay: Hotel ZaZa 

Best Place to Shop: I don’t love shopping, but my girlfriend goes to Tootsies for dresses. I don’t mind the Galleria as long as I have some direction and know what I’m going for. I need to have a plan. I can’t just walk aimlessly through that massive place.

Texas Meal Must: Barbecue, Steak or Mexican? They gotta go barbecue. I like Mexican food, but don’t crave it like I do barbecue.

Best Barbecue: Goode Company next to Armadillo — it’s the most consistent.

Best Mexican: El Tiempo on Richmond — they’re all OK, but that’s the best one.

Best Steakhouse: No doubt, Del Frisco’s is my favorite spot to eat. Arthur (Mooradian), the GM there is amazing. I always get a filet, medium. You gotta go with the mac and cheese too — it’s a jalapeno mac and cheese with bacon in it — it’s so good!

Best Brunch: Empire Cafe 

Best Sports Venue: Obviously Reliant Stadium. The atmosphere is crazy and we have the No. 1 fans.

Best Opponent to see at Reliant: Any divisional game

Best Bar/Spot for a Celebration: If you want to go all out, go to Roak on a Saturday night. Good people watching and a pretty good atmosphere.

Best Part of Town: I don’t think the Montrose area gets talked about enough. I think they’ve got great places to eat and cool bars.

Best Place for a Cocktail: Anvil is a good place to grab a cocktail if you’re looking for something other than beer or vodka.

Best Local Beer: Love me some St. Arnolds!

Best Date Spot: I love dinner at Mark’s.

Best Radio Station: The Box (97.9). That’s the best morning show that Houston has to offer. Rod Ryan (from The Buzz) emcees my charity events, so I like him a lot too.

Fave Musician from Houston: I’m kind of embarrassed I don’t know who all is from Houston, but I know a lot of good music comes from here. I guess I’d go with Bun B — I’m on this house kick lately. I’ve always been a rap/hip hop guy . . . I’m from the mean streets of Naperville, Illinois.

Best Music Venue: I think House of Blues is cool because it’s always intimate but my favorite shows I’ve seen have been big concerts at the Toyota Center. I went to (Lady) Gaga there and it was awesome! I went to Watch the Throne tour too — that was probably the sickest show I’ve been too.

Best Local Charity: Owen Daniels’ Catching Dreams Foundation of course! We try to help critically and chronically ill children in Houston and their families. I think what makes us unique is that we not only focus on and support the patient, but their siblings and families as well.

We have “Owen’s Locker” on the 10th floor at Texas Children’s with tons of entertainment like radios, DVD players, PSPs and other stuff to help entertain them while they are there.

Daniels has already secured his spot in franchise history becoming only the second Texan (behind Andre Johnson, who has 10,714 yards and counting) to reach 4,000 receiving yards in his career.

“I think he’s physically the best he’s been,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak has said of Daniels’ season.

Presumably that has something to do with putting forth 110 percent effort on the field and knowing all the best spots in Houston to refuel.

This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the sport’s section.

November 27, 2012/by Jayme
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Screen-Shot-2012-11-29-at-9.45.25-AM.png 546 513 Jayme https://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.png Jayme2012-11-27 18:38:532013-01-07 18:43:22Tight End’s Guide to Houston
The Blonde Side's Momentum Challenge

MOMENTUM Challenge

Football
The Blonde Side's Momentum Challenge

The Blonde Side’s Momentum Challenge

Happy Birthday to me. Happy Birthday to me. (The graphic to your left would lead you to believe I turned 32 today, but that is not the case, read on…).

Another year has passed and what can I say other than I’m L-A-Z-Y. Lazier than even Matt Leinart. This year has plum wore me out, but like last year, I’m going to make the most of these next four weeks and create a challenge for myself, which will likely stress me out and give me carpel tunnel.

Last year I set out to do The Blonde Side’s 30 Before 30 – asking 30 awesome athletes for interviews. I got quite a few, but the point was to get this column going (momentum, if you will) in a good direction. IT WORKED.

So this year I’m back presenting The Blonde Side’s MOMENTUM Challenge.

My goal: Interview a current player from each of the 32 NFL teams and write an article. Oh, and do it all by December 31, 

That’s just 34 days. Time is clearly not on my side (just like the Eagles o-line), but it’ll push me to use my resources and secure great interviews. I’m not afraid of such a lofty goal, and it’s giving these 32 guys the platform to talk about whatever they want on or off the field. I promise you it’ll be interesting and I only break promises to ex-boyfriends.

We all need momentum from time to time. I’ve had some great articles published with ESPN this year, but I still need to keep pushing harder. So here goes…

Here are the interviews I’ve secured thus far (prepare to be slightly underwhelmed…for now). Stay tuned for updates and the articles here on The Blonde Side, and pulease leave a comment with suggestions/contacts to help me meet this ridiculous goal.

Other Big News: This entire series/column will run as a feature with Man Cave Daily.

Arizona Cardinals: Sam Acho

Atlanta Falcons: Corey Peters

Baltimore Ravens:

Buffalo Bills:

Carolina Panthers:

Chicago Bears:

Cincinnati Bengals: Devon Still

Cleveland Browns:

Dallas Cowboys: Anthony Armstrong

Denver Broncos:

Detroit Lions:

Green Bay Packers:

Houston Texans: Owen Daniels

Indianapolis Colts:

Jacksonville Jaguars:

Kansas City Chiefs:

Miami Dolphins:

Minnesota Vikings:

New England Patriots: Zoltan Mesko

New Orleans Saints:

New York Giants:

New York Jets:

Oakland Raiders:

Philadelphia Eagles:

Pittsburgh Steelers:

Saint Louis Rams:

San Diego Chargers: Antonio Garay

San Francisco 49ers:

Seattle Seahawks: Greg Scruggs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

Tennessee Titans:

Washington Redskins: Aldrick Robinson

In hindsight it would have been fitting to have done this challenge for The Blonde Side on my 32nd birthday…

Thanks to Melissa Sims for creating yet another amazing graphic for The Blonde Side!

Update – it’s now January 7, 2013 and The Blonde Side didn’t even come close to meeting this lofty goal. Better luck next year, but A for effort? Maybe? Thanks to all the great athletes above and to Man Cave Daily for running this feature. Look for big things from The Blonde Side in 2013. #promise

November 27, 2012/by Jayme
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/tbs+32-square-icon.jpg 600 600 Jayme https://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.png Jayme2012-11-27 03:40:192013-01-07 18:49:24MOMENTUM Challenge

Bear Down

Football

The Blonde Side t-shirts in Chicago

CHICAGO — Being at Soldier Field on Veteran’s Day. Let that sink in for a minute.

Regardless of the outcome of the game between the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears on Sunday night, all 62,410 fans in attendance, whether wearing navy and red or navy and orange, cheered for the country’s servicemen and women. Walking into the stadium, on all sides, fans were met with a simple but powerful message and reminder:

SOLIDER FIELD 

Dedicated To The Men And Women Of The Armed Services

Flying out of Houston Hobby Friday morning, the airport was packed with enthusiastic Texans fans. If there’s one thing for sure about this Houston Texans team, fans travel well. And the team is good. Really good.

If there’s one thing for sure about this Houston Texans team, fans travel well. And the team is good. Really good.

Barret and Desiree Ortega were sporting their custom-made Texans T-shirts. The front read: “Howdy. ‘Chicago Blows’” with a Texans logo in place of the “o”.

The back read: “Dang auto correct – ‘Windy City.’”

The duo agreed it was a mutual creative idea; Desiree made the shirts, but Barret came up with the quote.

“We go to an away game every year but this one has to do with Veteran’s Day. He’s [Barret] in the Marine Corp and Solider Field has got to be one of the coolest places to spend this special day. Being from Houston, we wanted to go where it’s cold and we’ve been season tickets holders since Day one,” Desiree said holding her husband’s hand.

“Make sure you tell people we’re here proudly representing the Yellow Lot,” Barret added, referring to a popular tailgating spot near Reliant Stadium.

Barret and Desiree Ortega show off their sweatshirts before heading to Chicago

Barret and Desiree Ortega show off their sweatshirts before heading to Chicago

Mass appeal

Based on my trip to Denver back in September, I knew that Texans fans travel in masses. Eight home games clearly isn’t enough for some fans and while the team takes their show on the road, fans tag along for the fun. And the bragging rights being in the midst of all the gridiron action.

I began to wonder – are all these Texans fans BFFs (and why wasn’t I cordially invited?) or is there some underground fandom even I’m not aware of? And then I ran across a Facebook post from the ever-so-awesome Stephanie Stradley and the pieces started to fit together.

Stradley is a fan blogger (she goes by TexansChick) and at least for this Chicago game, drafted an “unofficial” Texans itinerary for the thousands venturing into the Windy City. To ensure the “travel in packs” mentality was in full effect all weekend, Stradley, with the help of some serious fans, itemized a traveling fans dream checklist.

To ensure the “travel in packs” mentality was in full effect all weekend, Stradley, with the help of some serious fans, itemized a traveling fans dream checklist.

She fully detailed what color to wear to the game (Battle Red), what bars fans would be at on Saturday night (including drink specials a link to the bar and address), where to meet if you want to partake in the group picture, and a simple yet friendly reminder that “the line between enthusiasm and obnoxious can be very thin.”

Her goal was to make sure Texans fans showed up strong and, more importantly, had a great time and respected the Bears fans in their house.

Texans fans at Soldier Field

Texans fans at Soldier Field

Thanks to unrivaled tailgating and bloggers like Stradley, Texans fans have been bonding over beers and tough seasons for a full decade. Now, they finally have something to cheer about. The teams have only met two times prior to this season, so it was a no-brainer that Chicago would be a big game. A primetime battle of two talked about defenses, a great city and an even greater team – one finally worth traveling for.

I ran into Mike Stephens at the Pony sports bar Saturday for a huge A&M watch party. Mike flew into town with seven of his friends for Sunday’s big game.

“I am here with friends that I’ve known for 30 years, and because this will be the best game of the year. Two 7-1 teams. Outstanding. Great football, great friends, great city,” he said.

Too cool 

Inside Soldier Field, the crowds were loud and bundled up. With pouring rain and temperatures in the 40’s, most Texans fans were covered head-to-toe in warm gear, a poncho (or trash bag) and multiple Texans branded apparel items. But there was one Texan who wasn’t afraid to show a little skin. In the first quarter, a Southern little blonde sporting a Texans midriff and unseasonably tan skin, flexed her muscles for the Jumbotron, getting fans riled up.

Just before heading into the raining tailgating festivities, I ran into Monica Rojas, another Houston fan. “Watt Ya Know About Them H-Town Peeps?” she kept saying to all the opposing fans, including the ESPN radio guys broadcasting live inside Jimmy Greens.

“Can’t wait to get home to Houston and thaw out. My draws are frozen and my fingers and toes are numb, but winning in Chicago’s house and celebrating with my fellow Texans fans was the greatest. 8-1! #bullsonparade.”

“We’re here trying to show Chicago how us Texans fans roll. We have family that lives here but we love and support our Texans – home and away. We are predicting the Texans are 8-1 after tonight baby!” Rojas said.

And she was right. Both teams entered Sunday nights’ game, the one many referred to as a preview for Super Bowl XLVII, at 7-1, but only one team left 8-1. The Texans, still the team to beat across the league, continue to be undefeated against Brian Urlacher and the Chicago Bears (with an all-time record of 3-0).

Looking at the front row of the lower bowl, I’m a TEXAN, WE ARE TEXANS, and other Texan-logo flags were strategically placed for all the viewers at home to see. Texans are proud.

A Texans fan on a mission, Patrick Reyes marks Chicago as just another stop on the away schedule.

“The game was ugly but I don’t think I could have had a more appropriate Chicago experience. The weather, the fans and a defensive battle. Great win for our Texans. As long as we win, I don’t care how we play. Next stop for me, New England on December 10th,” said Reyes who plans to utilize Stradley’s helpful tips along each stop.

Another avid fan and season ticket holder, Justin Capetillo, managed to type out a Facebook message even with frozen fingers after the big win. “Can’t wait to get home to Houston and thaw out. My draws are frozen and my fingers and toes are numb, but winning in Chicago’s house and celebrating with my fellow Texans fans was the greatest. 8-1! #bullsonparade.”

Ty and Sharon Coburn are celebrating more than just a franchise record-setting team.

“We are here celebrating our anniversary and it’s funny because it’s the Texans 10-year anniversary and it’s also our 10-year anniversary. Last night’s win was priceless. The win just completed our amazing weekend. I was wet from head to toe and Ty kept telling me ‘hang in there darling’ – it’ll all be worth it. It was amazing. We were sitting around some really grouchy Bears fans, but we had a great time,” said Sharon Coburn.

“Last night’s victory validated who we are – we are THE team,” said Ty.

I’m sure every other Texans fan, whether in Chicago, Houston or elsewhere agrees with Ty’s sentiments.

This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the sport’s section.

November 12, 2012/by Jayme
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/535607_440207476040613_1752771499_n2.jpg 960 960 Jayme https://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.png Jayme2012-11-12 11:33:162012-11-19 12:20:18Bear Down

Fifty Shades of Football

Chicks, Football

Fifty Shades of Football – The Blonde Side’s Guest Post on GirlsGuideTo.com

When’s the last time you put all your faith in a man, much less 11? Well it’s time.

The NFL and College GameDay are back (sans the lovely Erin Andrews) and it’s time to brush up on some gridiron lingo, some do’s & dont’s and just some fun ways to make it through the season with your sockbun in tact. There’s no two-hour window to call in and vote for your favorite, just 60 minutes to sweat it out for the W and then get in everyone’s face screaming and cheering.

Tight Ends– No, not just Ryan Lochte and Magic Mike, but otherwise known as an offensive player who is usually one of the bigger guys on the team and plays a dual role of a blocker and a receiver. Good example: Owen Daniels with the Houston Texans (for all of the above reasons).

GameDay Colors– The ability to finally recognize the difference between Texas A&M “maroon” and Florida State “garnet”. Not to mention all the various shades of orange, including but not limited to the burnt variety. 

Eye Black– Just a smidge under your regular non-season eyeliner, at an all-time thickness of about 1/2inch, otherwise known as the grease applied under a player’s eyes to reduce the glare.

Replacement Refs– Kind of like that one time your hairdresser went on vacation and you used her assistant and ended up with a real life hot mess on your head. Replacements are never as good as the real thing.

GameDay– Let’s not overcomplicate things…

Tailgating– The only time hanging out in a parking lot isn’t considered trashy (unless you’re in Gainesville, then be sure to add jorts). Also, calorie counters needn’t apply.

32– A number that refers to NFL teams in the league, not just Baskin Robbins flavors.

Accent Nails– During football season, your middle finger becomes your only “accent nail” to opposing fans for 17 straight weeks, no matter what Glamour or Vogue Magazine says.

“ing”– In grammatical terms, adding “ing” to a verb is known as a gerund. In football terms however, it is known as the newest way to turn a player’s last name into a verb.

Example #1: Griffining – the pose Washington Redskins quarterback, RG3 makes while on the ground after throwing a touchdown pass, with both hands in the air for celebration.

Example #2: Tebowing – getting down on one knee as a signal for prayer or to give thanks for a ridiculous hail mary that should not have been caught that will air over and over on ESPN for weeks.)

To see this full article in its original version, be sure to check out GirlsGuideTo.com.

September 30, 2012/by Jayme
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/FiftyShadesofFootball.jpg 1000 648 Jayme https://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.png Jayme2012-09-30 20:07:492013-01-07 20:13:06Fifty Shades of Football

Music With Olympic Gold Medalist Allyson Felix

Olympics, Running

Olympian, Allyson Felix (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Aside from being great musicians, what do Sade and Jay-Z have in common?

They both set the tone for Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix.

Just named USOC SportsWoman of the Year, Felix is at the top of her game. At this point in time, it’s no one else’s game but hers. Sure, she might have run a perfect 200 in London and be the beautiful face behind Nike’s motivational running campaign, but that doesn’t mean the track and field athlete doesn’t get star struck from time to time. Especially in front of Jay-Z, where she admits she gets tongue-tied. “I’ve been a fan for a long time. I passed him on the red carpet once, but that was it. I was way too shy to go up to him,” laughs Felix.

It took Felix three Olympiads and more than eight years of competition to reach the pinnacle of individual gold in London where she made history. Her third Olympic certainly appearance proved to be her most successful, snagging three gold medals and becoming the first woman to accomplish such a feat since 1988 when Track and Field icon Florence Griffith-Joyner did it.

Felix admits that music plays a large role not only in her training, but in her personal life as well. On the track, it impacts her mostly during training and warm ups. “It sets the tone and gets me in the right mood to be ready to tackle a tough workout and pumped up to perform, and in a longer run it helps me to get through it,” Felix says.

As for the “in” music currently buzzing on radio frequencies everywhere, Felix laughs at the mention of Carly Rae’s Call Me Maybe. “It’s very catchy and was probably the song of the summer. I didn’t really listen to it but I saw the swimmers did a really cool music video and whenever I turned on the radio I think that song was playing.” Equally trendy is Justin Bieber’s Boyfriend, which Felix admits is probably her guiltiest pleasure on her iPod right now. “It’s hard to admit it, but it’s on there,” she laughs.

For sprinting, she admits the beats change dramatically because it has to in order to match her pace. “It’s completely different when I’m sprinting – it’s more about getting pumped up and aggressive. I like to listen to Jay-Z and Kanye,” Felix says. “Sprinting is like my alter-ego – I’m really laid back but to get into that phase and be able to perform, that’s really what I use the music for,” she says noting that gospel also helps her perform at an elite level and gives her that “boost of encouragement.”

What is she jamming to right now? “I love R&B and soul music. And anything pop and hip-hop,” she says while noting her playlist rotates with what’s currently “in”. The Olympian gushes about her affinity for the ultra sultry Sade and her greatest hits album, The Best of Sade, especially when she has to slow down for longer runs where she takes time to enjoy the process of her sport (and confesses Adele’s swoon is another favorite).

Olympic Gold Medalist, Allyson Felix (photo via Team USA)

As for the infamous power boost song that really pumps her up? “I know it sounds cheesy, but probably Eye of the Tiger, especially in the long run, which is not my thing. It comes in handy,” Felix jokes. No surprise there as Nike execs released a statement at this year’s SXSW in Austin that Eye of the Tiger was the #1 power boost song for their popular Nike+ running app.

Felix loves enjoying the music that inspires her on the track, off of it as well. “Recently my favorite concert was Watch the Throne,” she admits. The tour was co-headlined by none other than Jay-Z and Kanye West and grossed over $40million. The Olympian also gushes about a live performance where she caught a performance by India Arie. “It was amazing,” says Felix.

Even with the gold around her neck, Felix admits the chances of getting tongue-tied again during her next Jay-Z encounter are pretty likely. And so are the Rio Games where she thinks athletically she can run even faster.

September 30, 2012/by Jayme
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/allyson-felix.jpg 425 594 Jayme https://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.png Jayme2012-09-30 19:52:032013-01-07 19:57:52Music With Olympic Gold Medalist Allyson Felix

Getting Burned by Minor League Baseball

Baseball

Ted Batchelor, The Human Fireball (photo via Batchelor)

Getting Burned by Minor League Baseball

As a kid, did you ever think you wanted to grow up to be a firefighter? What about a doctor or astronaut or professional baseball player? What about setting yourself on fire? Well that’s what Ted Batchelor knew he wanted to do from early on after some prompting and daring from his high school buddies.

Saturday night, the Sugar Land Skeeters, an Independent Atlantic League Team with growing notoriety thanks to the recent signing of Roger Clemens, hosted Ted Batchelor, otherwise known as the “human fireball” at Constellation Field to add to the growing list of infamous minor league gimmicks.

Immediately following their shut-out win over the Long Island Ducks in front of 7,463 fans, Ted took his talents on the field, where fans watched him get doused in fuel and run the bases, where they watched in awe, some in horror. Having never been “on fire in Texas,” Batchelor was excited for this first. He has recently set out on a goal to be on fire in all 50 states. “This experience will be how I remember Sugar Land and the Skeeters,” Batchelor said. “I’ve only completed about 15 states, so hopefully more Minor League Ball Clubs start calling.”

How does one get started lighting himself on fire as a career?

The Chagrin Falls’ native says it’s quite simple. “One day in highschool I had a pretty typical dream, diving off waterfalls – something I’ve done since I was 10. This time I have the same dream except I’m on fire. Then I woke up and went to my creative writing class in school and wrote a poem about it. In the dream people bet me to do all kinds of stuff, like set myself on fire. People are always betting me to do random things like getting hit by cars, rolling down stairs, anything really. I was at a party and someone read my poem and bet me $400 to light myself on fire and jump into the falls. The next week was prom and I really needed the money to take this girl, so I did it. That was 36 years ago (May 20, 1976), and the rest is history,” Batchelor says.

Although he got the girl, these daredevil-like stunts landed him in jail a time or two. Perhaps part of the reason Batchelor doesn’t just market himself as a “human fireball” but rather a “Professional Stunt Man and Performer.” And teams are taking notice, like Tom Gorman, Executive Producer for the Sugar Land Skeeters. “ I found the Human Fireball off Ben’s Biz Blog on milb.com. I saw he was trying to run the bases while on fire in all 50 states. This being our first year in Sugar Land, I wanted to show the fans what makes minor league baseball different from other sports, and acts like Teds’ is what separates us from the rest. We like acts that are fun, unique, and entertaining. We’re always looking for new ways to entertain and engage fans…and an act like Ted’s is one of those ways,” Gorman says.

Having been on fire nearly 200 times and setting two Guinness World Records (longest distance run while on fire – 492ft, and the record for most people on fire which broke the Spanish record of 12 by doing 17), Batchelor has somehow perfected the art of lighting himself on fire and it goes a little something like this:

Based on his idea from when he was 18, one of his crew members (or fans) has a ball on the mound. Batchelor, standing at home, catches the ball and bursts into flames and runs the bases. “It’s a simple stunt, yet it’s dangerous,” he admits. His team shows up at the ballpark, gets dressed, and walks out onto the field along side their equipment (extinguisher, fire blankets). “Once I catch it, it’s go-time,” Batchelor laughs.

As he touches each base, each one lights on fire, then fuel from a fuel gun gets added to him (this is the part his wife used to participate in until it felt “weird” for both of them). As he rounds third, he does a headfirst slide into homeplate where his crew puts him out. The whole stunt takes about 50 seconds.

Part of his “crew” includes his wife, which he deems an “integral part of this whole thing.” “She actually dresses me and puts all the fuel on me (it’s a lot of fuel) and puts me out,” Batchelor says.

Batchelor used to hold another world record for the longest burn ever, but that was recently broken. “They are wearing helmets and fireproof suits and all that stuff,” Batchelor quickly dismisses. “My suits are really simple and meant to burn. When you’re on fire, that’s just it – YOU’RE ON FIRE,” he explains.

“We do these stunts a lot, but we’re nervous every single time – believe me. With that much fuel, you have to be. After a successful show we may have a couple beers, usually Jack Daniels makes an appearance,” he says of his own post-game routine.

On a lighter note, Batchelor insists no matter what life his stunts take on, he’s “totally normal.” “I just have this thing that I do and a lot of people don’t understand it, until they see it and they realize it’s a professional stunt, not some crazy person doing this wildly. There’s a big difference between the two. I still respect fire as all people should,” he says.

He has a wife, children, a day job as a project manager for a painting company in Cleveland, and yes, even health insurance – normal indeed.

September 20, 2012/by Jayme
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/E04Q3058.jpg 3456 5184 Jayme https://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.png Jayme2012-09-20 19:57:542013-01-07 20:02:47Getting Burned by Minor League Baseball
Photo Courtesy of Nigel Brooks | Houston Dynamo

Bald is Beautiful

Soccer
Photo Courtesy of Nigel Brooks | Houston Dynamo

Photo Courtesy of Nigel Brooks | Houston Dynamo

Somewhere long ago, we as women grew up thinking men going bald signified really old men, like our fathers. Sure they were wise, and great providers, but sexy-I-want-to-touch-your-hot-body-hot? As if!

Our dads and grandpas were bald — how on earth can that be sexy?

Some world-class hot-bodied athletes sporting bright orange jerseys are changing all that. It’s true — Bald is Beautiful.

At least it is when the Houston Dynamo are behind it, shaving their heads to help give cancer the boot. For the fourth straight year, the Dynamo held a shaving party to raise money for children’s cancer research. Added bonus? Some of the young cancer patients got to shave the hair off the soccer standouts themselves.

This year’s campaign is voluntarily led by second-year forward Will Bruin. After he finished the “main event” (as he called it) of getting his head shaven at BBVA Compass Stadium Tuesday, he chatted about the very worthwhile campaign and a cause that’s become very near and dear to his heart.

Having participated last year in a Bald is Beautiful campaign led by former Dynamo player Mike Chabala, Bruin took it upon himself to become the face . . . er bald head . . .  of the cause.

“During the past year, I have found great joy and have met some remarkable people during my visits to local children’s hospitals,” Bruin said. “One such person I met was a high-spirited young lady named Rosa. Unfortunately, Rosa passed away recently, and while I only knew her for a short time she always felt like a friend that I have known for much longer.

Photo Courtesy of Nigel Brooks | Houston Dynamo

Photo Courtesy of Nigel Brooks | Houston Dynamo

“Visiting with children like Rosa has made me thankful for the opportunities I have been given in my life and has motivated me to make a difference.”

Rosa used to refer to Bruin as “the cute soccer boy” who’d light up her days. That’s the same way plenty of women all over Houston feel about the well-built Midwesterner.

“It’s so awesome. I love going to the hospital and being a part of these people’s lives,” Bruin said. “It puts a smile on not only their faces but mine also. It’s awesome to see the patients I’ve made relationships with through the years and to have them come out and shave my head as part of the cause — it was really fun for all of us.”

Then, it was time for Bruin to go bald.

When asked how he felt about his new hairstyle, Bruin was clearly in good spirits.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “I can feel the breeze going through my hair again, but I’m going to have to put sunscreen on it! For the past three or four months I guess you could say I’ve been growing my hair out for this cause.

Photo Courtesy of Nigel Brooks | Houston Dynamo

Photo Courtesy of Nigel Brooks | Houston Dynamo

“I guess to be fair, I wasn’t really growing it out because it’s so thick I had to get it trimmed every once in a while. But I did it so people wouldn’t really notice (the previous haircuts). This is a big deal for me and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

While Bruin is happy to go bald, he admits it isn’t necessarily the best look for him.

“Well, I didn’t shave today so I have a shaved head with kind of a beard-thing going on — this is a new look for me. I might not recommend it to anyone,” he said.

As for on the field? “I hope it makes me more aerodynamic for Thursday’s game,” he said.

Bruin wasn’t the only Dynamo to go bald. Joining him in parting ways with their locks were all-star goalie Tally Hall, defender Bobby Boswell, 19-year-old goalie Erich Marscheider, midfielder Colin Clark, midfielder Brian Ownby, goalkeepers coach Tim Hanley and head athletic trainer Theron Enns.

Dynamo fans can support the campaign by donating directly to Dynamo Charities on behalf of Bald is Beautiful (be sure to reference “2012 Bald is Beautiful”), with all donations benefiting the Curing Children’s Cancer Fund. Those who participate will also have the opportunity to have their heads shaven at Thursday’s home match against Real Salt Lake.

For a donation of $10 or more, fans can support the cause and help find a cure for children’s cancer. Additionally, fans can purchase the Bald is Beautiful ticket package for $49.99. The package includes two tickets to the game, two Bald is Beautiful T-shirts and the opportunity meet Bruin following the match.

For more information, check out the Bald is Beautiful website.

This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the sport’s section.

September 7, 2012/by Jayme
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/546276_4189739673820_874817533_n_1.800w_600h.jpg 600 800 Jayme https://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.png Jayme2012-09-07 15:44:042012-09-07 15:44:04Bald is Beautiful
Tatyana McFadden | Photo Courtesy of Joe Kusumoto

Paralympics Guide

Olympics
Tatyana McFadden | Photo Courtesy of Joe Kusumoto

Tatyana McFadden | Photo Courtesy of Joe Kusumoto

The Ultimate Guide to Paralympics: Where to watch, who to cheer for and far the games have come.

Just two weeks after the closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics, another set of games takes the same stage. On Wednesday, 4,280 Paralympians, elite athletes with physical and visual disabilities, will begin competing at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, an international multi-sport event with more than 20 sports over 11 days.

Some of the disabilities of the competitors include mobility difficulties, amputations, blindness, and cerebral palsy and some events are open to people with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

The All-Time medal tally for the Summer Paralympics Games as of Beijing 2008 shows Team USA winning by a landslide with 665 gold, 592 silver and 613 bronze for a total of 1,870 medals. In far second is Great Britain with a total of 1,420 and then Canada with a total of 947 medals. The first International Games for athletes with a disability were held in 1952 (at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in London) with only two participating countries and 130 athletes.

The games have since grown to include 166 countries. An estimated 2.2 million tickets will be sold (in contrast to 8.8 million for the Londomn Summer Olympics). The Olympics and Paralympics started sharing the same venue in 1988 (Seoul, South Korea), which is the same year the term “Paralympics” was adopted.

Although the Games are yet to be televised in the United States (a goal the National Paralympic Committees is working on), you can tune in online and catch more than 580 hours of coverage. Once you set your URL and get comfortable, stay there for a while because there’s a lot to watch. NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) will air one-hour highlight shows on Sept. 4, 5, 6 and 11 at 6 p.m. After the games, NBC will broadcast a 90-minute special on Sept. 16.

U.S. Wheelchair Rugby Team (formerly known as Murderball): The full-contact rugby in wheelchairs is most known for the

Will Groulx | Photo Courtesy of Joe Kusumoto

Will Groulx | Photo Courtesy of Joe Kusumoto

toughness and tenacity of the athletes, which was captured in the prize-winning documentary, Murderball, which detailed the rivalry between the Canadian and U.S. teams leading up to the 2004 Paralympic Games.

Because of the difficulty of marketing a sport known as “Murderball,” the name was later changed to “Wheelchair Rugby.”

The sport made its Paralympic debut at the Sydney 2000 Games.

The U.S. is a heavy favorite for gold, led by Will Groulx who was also part of the U.S. team when it won gold in Beijing in 2008 and who led the team in scoring in multiple matches. Groulx is a Navy veteran who was medically discharged after suffering a spinal-cord injury from a motorcycle accident in 2001.

You may recognize Groulx’s name as he was nominated for an ESPY back in 2009 for Best Male Athlete with a Disability for his performance as a member of the undefeated USA Quad Rugby team in the 2008 Summer Olympics.

U.S. Women’s Wheelchair Basketball: Also heavy favorites for gold, this team won the last two Paralympics in Beijing and Athens. The team has six returning players from the same team that won gold in Beijing so they mesh well and know how to take the ball up and down the court with ease.

They recently won gold at the Parapan American Games in Guadalajara after going undefeated and beating Canada by 38 points.

Becca Murray | Photo Courtesy of Joe Kusumoto

Becca Murray | Photo Courtesy of Joe Kusumoto

I had a chance to chat with Jeff Downes, Team Leader since 2007, to find out why this group of women who happen to be aiming for a three-peat in London are worth watching.

“Our team has had success since 2004 where we won the gold in Athens and then again in 2008 when we beat Germany in the final minute,” he said. “We’ve always had a strong team — strength, speed and stamina — able to wear our opponents down, but the rest of the world is catching up. We’ve lost to some teams we should have beaten and I can assure you London is going to be a brawl.

“It’s going to be very competitive and we’re looking for some fun, high-scoring games.”

You can follow the team and get updates on its Facebook page.

U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball: This is the sport that amazes me the most, after I watched a demo a few months back in Times Square. Having won silver last year in Beijing with a loss to China, the team has high hopes of edging out China this year in London to claim gold. The sport began in 2003 and is now powered by the American duo of Katie Holloway and Kari Miller.

The 6-foot-3 Holloway was named MVP and the Best Spiker at the 2011 Parapan American Games. Born without a fibula in her right leg, Holloway had her right foot and ankle amputated at 20 months, but she still went on to play basketball and volleyball.

She was later recruited by college basketball teams which did not even realize she wore a prosthetic leg.

Kari Miller | Photo Courtesy fo Frank Polich

Kari Miller | Photo Courtesy fo Frank Polich

The 5-foot-6 Miller helped her team win gold at ECVD Continental Cup in Yevpatoria, Ukraine, and was named the tournament’s Best Libero (defensive specialist) with 163 receptions. While serving in the military, Miller and a friend were in a car struck by a drunk driver. Miller lost both legs, one above the knee, the other below.

It should be a treat to watch these two athletes lead their team to a gold medal in London. Check out the rest of the team profiles.

April Holmes: Venturing into her third Paralympics, this will likely be Holmes’ final appearance. Holmes has been dubbed “the world’s fastest amputee” and holds world records in the 100-, 200- and 400-meters. In 2001, Holmes was involved in a train accident that resulted in the loss of her left leg just below the knee.

Holmes took her faith and worked towards a new goal of becoming a Paralympian and has been breaking records ever since.

In an accident at the Beijing Games in 2008, the spike on Holmes’ left prosthetic leg got caught in the track causing her to tumble to the ground. While on the ground, Holmes took a competitor’s spike to the face, but she still managed to force her bruised and bloodied body across the finish line. Just five days later, still in immense pain, Holmes competed in the 100-meter final.

Shocking even herself, she took gold, winning in a time of 13.72 seconds, just three seconds slower than the Olympic record held by Florence Griffith-Joyner.

The heart and soul, not to mention immense speed of Holmes should be at the top of anyone’s list of why to watch the Paralympics.

Holloway | Photo Courtesy of Frank Polich

Holloway | Photo Courtesy of Frank Polich

Tatyana McFadden: This veteran Paralympian is in the games for her third time. McFadden first entered the Paralympic Games in Athens at age 15. Now 23, she says she’s still a bit nervous.

“I’m very excited,” she said. “I’ve worked for four years, every day, twice a day for two hours in each session with my main focus being on the Paralympic Games.

“Getting involved in sports saved my life. The Paralympics are athletes at an elite level, people with disabilities competing at their best — it’s honoring, humbling, exciting, thrilling . . .”

As her bio states: “By all accounts Tatyana should not be one of the top female athletes in the world. She probably should not be alive. She was born in 1988 in St. Petersburg, Russia, with an underdeveloped spinal cord resulting in paralyzation below the waist and a hole in her spine, a condition know as spina bifida. When operated on immediately, spina bifida is rarely life threatening.

“Tatyana was left for 21 days before doctors operated. Only her innate strength of will kept her alive.”

She was sent to an orphanage, “an unwanted disabled child.” In 1994, Tatyana was adopted by American Debbie McFadden, who was working as the commissioner of disabilities for the U.S. Health Department.

Her new mother got McFadden her first wheelchair, and signed her up for swimming classes and then a Baltimore wheelchair sports organization to help build up her strength. Now, McFadden’s an eight-time track world champion, three-time marathon winner and full-time student at University of Illinois.

She races with her sister Hannah in the 100-meters.

“Whether I bring home a medal or not, I’m going to put in 110 percent,” McFadden promised. Famed for her strength, McFadden is also aptly nicknamed “Beast.”

This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the sport’s section.

September 1, 2012/by Jayme
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