In 1976 America found a new hero.  Rocky is a great uplifting movie for any American to watch.  It shows how a man can go from rags to riches and pursue a dream.  Rocky Balboa displays true heroism and becomes a boxing icon throughout the country.

The first thing that stands out to me is the soundtrack in the film.  I will come out and say it is probably the best soundtrack of any movie ever created.  The songs have the ability to motivate and pump up anyone no matter what obstacle they are facing.  For example “Going the Distance” is one of the tracks that is a great workout song.  Going the distance has another meaning in the movie.  His goal was just to “go the distance” in the ring with Apollo Creed.  Apollo was the heavyweight champion of the world and every fighter that has faced him failed to survive 15 rounds.  Rocky’s desire and determination shaped him into an inspirational role model.

The city of Philadelphia was inspired by the actions of Rocky.  I liked the scene when Rocky goes for a run and other kids join him.  It shows that he is a positive figure for the public.  Believing that an average Joe can rise and become something can have the ability to give everyone hope.  Also, the running of the steps is a very famous scene and it is an interesting symbol.  It portrays Rocky’s tough and grueling journey from rough times to triumph once he reaches the top.  Another positive attribute for Rocky is his love.  It shows how big tough guys can be very affectionate towards woman they love.  His relationship with Adrian is almost perfect.

Some believe that Rocky is a little corny but I disagree.  The messages that are received from the viewer are too meaningful and Sylvester Stallone masters the role of Rocky Balboa.

The Espn Films 30 for 30 documentary, Four Days in October, is a masterpiece.  It is a highly intense emotionally driven film depicting the incredible feats of the 2004 Boston Red Sox baseball team.  It is one of the greatest sport documentaries of all time displaying how a team and city kept the faith while beating their archrival in epic fashion.

“Idiots” they were referred to as.   The 2004 Red Sox team was very unique but very close-knit.  Once they went down 0-3 against the Yankees, it seemed like all of Red Sox nation lost hope once again.  For gods sake it has been 86 years since they last one a World Series.  The curse of the Bambino was still lurking.   However, the players always seemed confident in their team and it was displayed throughout the film.  One quote by Kevin Millar, “Don’t’ let us win today” proves that the players still were thinking positive.  After the first win, Red Sox nation was rejuvenated.  Billboards around the city emerged saying “Keep the Faith.”  A lot of the success was credited to play of David Ortiz.  He became a legend in this series exhibiting god like achievements.  Senor October was the new nickname he was given.

As a huge Red Sox fan, watching this film gives me the chills no matter how may times I watch it.  Many people say that these four days were some of the best days of their lives.  It was truly a miracle to see a team come back from three games and win the American League Championship.  The documentary is such a success because it covered one of the greatest sports stories of all time.  Gary Waksman did an excellent job creating Four days in October.  Having the interview, behind the scenes footage, and highlights, brings you back to that time period and allows you to relive the dream.

“If you build it, he will come.”  Who will come?  Field of Dreams is a very intriguing movie based on a fantasy that one man has involving his cornfield and baseball.  Building a baseball field on his farm brings more than just a baseball diamond; it brings a heaven like experience.  After watching it, it is clear that one man must chase his dreams and believe in himself no matter what.

Ray Kinsella played by Kevin Costner, hears voices while working in his cornfield one day.  He had no idea what he had to build and who would come.  Another day he had a vision in the filed of a baseball park.  He made it his mission to create a beautiful baseball field out of his land.  It was an unreal field.  I was amazed when I saw it.  It’s got such a pristine calming look to it.

Ray had to pursue the journey that he began to encounter.  He built the field but what next? There was some time when nothing happened and he was getting low financially.  The town thought he was a total nut job.  However, Ray never let any of the adversity get to him.  He kept focus on what he started and what he wanted to accomplish.  You had the feeling throughout the movie that all of his actions would work out in the end.

The sounds that entered important scenes were very epic and helped bring out the emotions.  The first time Joe Jackson entered the field you got a nice sense of relief knowing that he did not build the field for nothing.  More players started to show up on a daily basis but more voices entered Ray’s head.  “Ease his Pain” and “Go the Distance”.  These voices led Ray to watch a baseball game in Boston with Terrance man and then to Minnesota to visit a man named Archie (Moonlight) Graham.  In the end, the whole message of the movie was clearly displayed.  The whole purpose of building the field was to make up with his father.  Since the field was built his dad came out as a baseball player.  Before Ray’s dad died, Ray left on awful terms and was living in regret ever since.  He told his dad that he could never respect him since his hero was a criminal.  It was very interesting how they filmed the last scene.  Ray’s dad was actually younger than Ray.  They played catch on the field, under the lights, in the nice Iowa air, a truly heart warming experience.  He believed in his dream and it came true!

I do not believe the most important messages of this movie involved baseball.  However, Joe Jackson said a quote that is very meaningful for any ex athlete.  Shoeless Joe Jackson was one of the eight men banned from the 1919 Chicago White Sox team and never played pro ball again.  Playing baseball on a field again was dreams come true to him.  He said, “Getting thrown out of baseball was like having part of me amputated. I’ve heard that old men wake up and scratch itchy legs that been dust for over fifty years. That was me. I’d wake up at night with the smell of the ballpark in my nose, the cool of the grass on my feet… The thrill of the grass.”

High school football in Odessa is more than a game; it’s a way of life.  Friday Nights Lights is an uplifting sports movie displaying the tradition of a town and its football team.  It seemed like the only thing to do in Odessa in 1988 was to watch and talk Permian Panther football.  The town left a huge burden on the coaches and team to win states.  Nothing else would be acceptable.

Some characters seemed to have their own internal conflict going on which was very interesting to follow.  Coach Gaines had a very tough job coaching in that environment.  It seemed like there was a battle going on between him and the whole town.  They were relying on him to bring them to states.   In the movie he mentioned to his family that they may possibly move to another town if they do not win states.  It just shows how much Odessa cared about football and that job security was very bad as a head coach.   It is hard to believe that no other events/news was relevant in the town.

A player on the team named Charles Billingsley encountered a conflict with his father.  His dad was an ex player at Permian who had won a State Championship of his own.  He expected his son to do the same.  However he took it to the extreme.  Alcoholism was definitely a problem with him.  He often physically abused Charles when he was drunk nagging him too hold on to the football.  Charles often fumbled the football which irked his father.  Sometimes parents of athletes expect too much from their kids and are too harsh.  Being harsh lowered Charles’ confidence and it was shown throughout the movie.  All the blame can go to the stupid actions of his father.

Friday Night Lights mastered the idea of perseverance and I believe that was one of their goals when filming it.  Losing their star player, Boobie Miles, to knee surgery was a devastation to the world.  How were they going to win states now?  The team had to move on and play as a team.  Eventually they got their shot at the state title after hard work and confidence.

The speeches given by Coach Gaines were incredible.  Billy Bob Thornton showed great enthusiasm giving his players inspiration.   He is a good method actor, actively playing the role of a coach.   The demeanor of him as a coach is very accurate and can be compared to other popular coaches.  His last speech has the ability to give any high school football player chills.  Coach Gaines preaches what high school football brings to a man and explains its impact on his life.

Even though this was a successful movie, some things definitely were blown out of proportions.  There is no way the astrodome was sold out for a high school football game.    The style of game was also inaccurate.  Almost every play in the State Championship game was a bone-crushing hit, hits that you rarely see in the NFL.   Also, after the game the majority of the players had blood all over their faces.   I have been around the game of football my whole life and I have never seen such a thing.  Occasionally a player will have a cut or scrape but not flooding areas on blood on their faces.

It is a very rare instance if you ever see coach Tom Coughlin smiling.  His style of coaching includes a grimacing look that is somewhat creepy.  He looks like a scary pedophile squinting half the time.  However, the way he coaches has proven to bring success to the New York Giants.  The relationship he has with his players is unique and beneficial for success.  He does not put up with any crap on his team.  I believe he uses tactics of intimidation to help make his players work harder.  I hate how some coaches in sports try to be very friendly with their players.  They are not there teachers or friends! They are only there to help them win and that is the only goal in sports.  If you don’t, your season or game can be considered a failure.  It was tough seeing the Giants celebrate since I am a huge Patriots fan.  Bill Belichick’s coaching style is somewhat similar to Toms.  His demeanor is always stern.  He means all business not putting up with any crap.  Both of these coaches hate characteristics of individuality on their teams.  Showboating is somewhat non-existent during games.  A good coach knows how to drill the true purposes of sports into the brains of their players.  They include hard work, teamwork, and sportsmanship.  Even though the Pats and Bill suffered a tough loss it was nice to see them hug at the end of the game.  Hating an opponent is very common but why not show them a little respect?

Coach Herb Brooks of the 1980 Men’s Hockey team falls under the same coaching category of Tom and Bill.  He comes off as a “prick” just like the rest of them.  Herb knew what it took to win a Gold medal and was willing to do whatever it took for his team to reach that goal.  He pushed his team to physical exhaustion.  It must have sucked having to skate suicides after a tough loss.  It seemed like they skated forever into the darkness of the arena.  However, it was a good bonding experience overall for the team and in the long run they were the champions of the world.

In the summer, Cape Cod is one of my favorite places to be.  On beautiful summer night at the Cape, is there anything better to do than watch baseball? Baseball is my favorite sport that I enjoy to watch and play.  I took this picture with my cell phone in Orleans, Mass during a game.  Heading to the Cape for a week has been my family tradition since the day I was born.  Within the past five years, attending a Cape Cod League baseball game is a new tradition.  This picture reminds me of how relaxed and happy I am during that time of year.  Also, it gives me motivation to get though the year and perserveare .  I look forward to being in great atmosphere on a daily basis.

Michael

This man defied the laws of gravity

He dunked over the game of basketball like an aching cavity

Recently, a huge scandal has broken out at Penn State University.  Former defensive coordinator for the Nittany Lions, Jerry Sandusky, was arrested saturday and he is suspected of child abuse.  Over a 15 year period, he is suspected of abusing eight boys.  This was all due to his charity he founded called “The Second Mile.”  Many people believe that he took the boys from there.  This is a subject that has rocked the college.  This part of the country has been known as “Happy Valley” ranking as one of Americas best towns.  Sandusky was a well respected coach that retired in 1999.  However he had close connections with the college until 2009.  This scandal also puts a big hurt on the athletic program at the college.  Tim Hurley, the athletic director, and Gary Shultz, vice president for business and finance, stepped down from their jobs.  Dating all of the way back to 2000, Sandusky has been suspected of his suspicious actions.  A janitor once saw him in the locker room abusing a young boy.  However the administration did not really pursue the case.  Once agian college football is hit with another scandal.  Hopefully penalties will be given to all those involved, and Happy Valley will return to its original form in no time.

Link http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/11/05/penn-state-ex-coach-others-charged-in-child-sex-case/

As of October 28th the NBA and Commissioner David Stern have canceled the season through November 30th.  There is no possible way the league will have a full season now.  Salary cap issues and revenue disagreemants seem to be the problem between the owners and union throughout the league.  The owners are in siting on a 50-50 split of revenues between the players but the union is having none of it.  The players are asking for 52%.  Consequently, fans and players are become very agitated throughout the lock out.  Before you know it half the sea on might be canceled.  Some cities thrive on the success of their basketball team.  This could be a major shock to the local economies. As of now, there are no scheduled meetings with the Union to solve this mess, but hopefully there will be one soon.  I need to watch my Celtics this year!

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/10/28/nba-cancels-games-through-november/

Step 1: If any set of laces throughout the shoe are loose, pull the set above them to tighten the original laces.

Step 2: Once all the sets of laces are tight, pull the ends out and up through. Pull the ends tight.

Step 3: Cross the left lace over the right.

Step 4 + 5: Pull the left aglet (hard plastic part at the end of a shoelace) under the right through the loop.

Step 6: Pull the laces tight.

Step 7: Make a bunny loop with your right hand.

Step 8: Begin to wrap the left lace around the bunny loop on your right hand.

Step 9: Pull the the bunny loop you just made with your left hand under the bunny loop on the right.

Step 10: Two loops with a knot in between should be forming.  The shape looks somewhat like the number “8″.

Step 11: Pull the loops tight to make the knot smaller.

Step 12: If the laces seem too long, tug the two loops in order to shrink the length of the laces.  However, the size of the loops will increase after doing this.

Step 13-15: If a double knot is needed follow these steps.  Take the left loop and wrap it under the right as done previous in step 9.  Pull the loops tight.  Two more loops should be smaller with a bigger knot and smaller loops.  Double knots are more secure and I highly recommend tying them.