Half Moon Bay Golf Links Joins With Naval Special Warfare Foundation

Following the success of the inaugural “SEAL Tribute Celebration and Golf Tournament,” which was held on October 4 and raised more than $500,000 for the families of U.S. Navy SEALs and their support personnel, the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, Half Moon Bay Golf Links and The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, have already announced the second annual event for 2011.

This year’s event featured guests including Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant (SEAL) Michael E. Thornton (ret.), Vice Admiral (SEAL) Albert M. Calland, III (ret.), and Rear Admiral (SEAL) Thomas R. Richards (ret.). The exclusive golf tournament took place on Half Moon Bay Golf Links’ Ocean and Old Courses, with sponsors playing and interacting with members of the SEAL community. The event concluded with more than 200 participants attending a Gala Dinner in the ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, with addresses by Lieutenant Thornton, Admiral Richards, and Ms. Krissy Rankin, whose fiancé was a Navy SEAL and died in the line of duty.

“It was invigorating and inspiring to watch Americans rally on behalf of the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, the SEALs and their loved ones,” says Mark Kendall, SEAL Tribute Event Chairman and President of Kenmark Golf Management, who operates Half Moon Bay Golf Links. “Despite the economy and downturn in large events and outings, golf is still a unifying game that brings people together over a shared cause.”  

Opening ceremonies for the event began on October 4 with the U.S. Navy color guard and a Half Moon Bay High School trio singing the national anthem. A brief presentation followed with the retirement of an American flag recently flown in Afghanistan by a U.S. Navy SEAL team. Next year’s event will be held on September 30 and October 1.

For more information:

Half Moon Bay Golf SEAL Tribute Celebration and Golf Tournament

You Call That a Knife, Yes That is a Knife

The Swiss Army Knife manufacturer, Wenger, is producing a knife with so many functions that is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. This knife has a staggering 141 functions utilizing 87 implements including a bicycle chain tool, adjustable pliers, screwdrivers, compass and of course, a knife. This knife is amply named ‘Giant Knife’. The Giant Knife is 8.75″ long and weighs over two pounds – that weight is the equivalent of carrying a quart of water in our pocket! Not only will you need a deep pocket to carry this knife, you will need a deep pocket to afford this knife. The Giant Knife, item number 16999, retails for $1400 and is available in only the trademark Swiss Army Knife color – red. Continue reading You Call That a Knife, Yes That is a Knife

No Lasers for London Olympics

Lasers in use in the Youth Olympic Games

Sorry sci-fi fans there won’t be lasers at the 2012 London Olympics after all. This past August it had been announced that laser pistols – seriously laser pistols – would be used in the modern pentathlon. The event, which is actually a cross discipline sport, includes pistol shooting, épée fencing, 200 m freestyle swimming, show jumping  and a 3km cross-country race. The event was first held at the 1912 Olympic Games, but it was conceived of by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games.

The idea behind the modern pentathlon was to simulate the experience of a 19th century cavalry soldier (and officer at that); someone who could ride a horse, fight with a pistol and sword and be able to swim and run. For the 2012 games the organizers had looked to add a bit of the future into the mix by using laser pistols for the shooting events.

However, these shouldn’t be confused with the Star Wars style blaster weapons, but rather have are much more likely laser pointers – so sorry also to anyone who hoped light sabers would eventually be used in the fencing. The lasers will still be used for the junior competitions, which are more reported to be more “environmentally friendly” that traditional pistols. The lasers were used this past August at the Youth Olympic Games held in Singapore.

So clearly it is just a matter of time unlike the Olympics gets lasers, but we’re glad they won’t be used in London. It would be like if James Bond used a laser – which he did in the film Moonraker and look how that turned out.

[Via Inside the Games: Modern pentathlon drops laser gun plan for London 2012]

Straight Shooter

Tired of lost golf balls? There are now all sorts of balls with GPS, radar to find balls and other technology. But maybe the best way not to lose a golf ball is to simply shoot straighter. We’ve probably said that before, but it is worth saying again, especially as Polara Golf has announced their new self-correcting golf balls. These are ideal for the recreational golfer who might have some hooking or slicing issues when teeing off.

“It is estimated that 85 percent of golfers have trouble hitting the ball straight and then end up slicing the golf ball. If you want to prevent a slice, you have to understand how the ball behaves when you slice it.” said Dave Felker, Head of Technology for Polara Golf. “What Polara Golf has done surpasses anything that golf ball companies have ever tried. If a golfer has trouble hitting the ball straight, there is no other ball out there right now that has the same ‘Self-Correcting Technology’ that each Polara golf ball has.”

The new Polara Ultimate Straight and Super Straight golf balls should help even a crooked golfer go straight. These feature “self correcting technology” that guarantees to correct hooks and slices up to 75 percent according to the company. So is there a super computer inside or some sort of radio controlled gizmo? Not exactly. Continue reading Straight Shooter

Fitness Journal: Can’t Buy It? Build It!

About a year ago my friend, Sean, and I were at Tam Bikes in Mill Valley, California when I noticed a bike which caught my eye – a belt drive mountain bike by Spot Brand. I immediately feel in love with the belt drive concept due to the simplicity, but I was not in the market for a single speed mountain bike as I already owned a few. But if you can’t buy one, the next best thing was to build it, which is exactly what I did. Here is the story of building up a bike. Continue reading Fitness Journal: Can’t Buy It? Build It!

Clif Shot Pours New Energy Gels

Clif Bar revamped its recipe in those gel packets. The new Clif Shots blend organic fruit, cocoa and other natural ingredients to make a gel that claims to have up to 50 percent more electrolytes than Clif’s previous recipe.

In addition to more electrolytes, the new formula combines two sources of carbohydrate that efficiently work together. Those are organic maltodextrin and organic evaporated cane juice. The two deliver energy to the bloodstream in five minutes or less.

While the packaging looks somewhat the same, the new gels have a thinner consistency. Even when you’re thirsty bordering on dehydrated, the new formula will go down more easily and get you back into shape.

The new gels are available in varying levels of caffeine including 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg amounts. The later is the equivalent of two shots of espresso or one 12 oz. cup of drip coffee. Flavors include the Base Blavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry (25mg of caffeine), Mocha (50mg of caffeine), Razz and Citrus (25mg of caffeine). Turbo Flavors are Double Expresso and New Chocolate Cherry, each with 100mg of caffeine.

Electrolyte gels and drinks saved me last summer on a long and hot ride. But the gels – much like gummy bears – were a little difficult to get down. A syrapy shot will be welcome on my next long ride. It could mean the difference between bailing on a challenging and rewarding ride and making it the whole distance with energy to spare.

Clif Bar

Get the Stress Out, Instead of Being Stressed Out

Ever feel a little – no know – stressed out. I think I can relate, or at least so I’m told. For those who have a hard time coping with stress there is hope. The emWave PSR (Personal Stress Reliever) is a little device that might just be the next best thing to having a full-blown meltdown.

The device actually (and according to its makers effectively) measures stress levels, and thus teaches users hot to shift out of stressful states. It works by measuring the variations between heart beats (heart coherence), which is reflective of real-time changes that occur in our mental and emotional state. Users are provided with real-time feedback via colored lights and sounds, so that they can known when they’re reached a stressful situation and can use methods to cope with it. With practice users can build new internal responses to stress and how to get out of the stressful situations.

The product, which has won numerous awards including the Last Gadget Standing People’s Choice Award at the International Consumer Electronics Show, as well as an innovation award from the American Institute of Stress, is about the size of a small mobile phone and is currently available through major online retailers as well as the developer’s own site.

HeartMath Official Website

Movie Review: Race Across the Sky (2010)

About a month ago, my wife and I sat down and watched the Race Across the Sky 2009 movie from Citizen Pictures featuring Lance Armstrong’s win of the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike race. We both enjoyed the 2009 movie, not because we are huge Lance fans, but because the footage allowed my wife to finally see the course. She has been my number one supporter during each of the five Leadville 100 Mountain Bike races that I have competed in during the past 10 years. I had recently finished race five, so the course was fresh in our minds when we sat down to watch the film. The 73 minute film offered a complete and concise look into not only the racers, but the vast number of volunteers and supporters that it takes to make this event happen.

Continue reading Movie Review: Race Across the Sky (2010)

Spin with Google Street View

The season to go outdoors for a workout is coming to a close and we’re looking for ways to make spinning on a stationary bike more enjoyable. There are plenty of programs that let you play video games with the pedal, or take you on scenic routes, but what if you want to explore some real neighborhoods and streets? Continue reading Spin with Google Street View

Clean Bottle Goes Global

 

Dave Mayer was in France last summer for the Tour, but he wasn’t seeing the sights and probably not a lot of the riding. Instead was there promoting his new water bottle, which he did by having someone wear a giant suit that looked like his revolutionary sports bottle. Now he’s looking to clean up in the world wide market with the Clean Bottle, which is unique in that it unscrews at both ends. The bottle is currently available through KHS, Hawley, Paceline, J&B and Peregrine Outfitters in the United States and he’s looking to take the bottle around the world.

“During the first year of our business, I had to be a little conservative with my distribution partners due to supply and demand issues,” states Mayer. “But due to spectacular results from our Tour de France coverage on Versus and our other marketing efforts, we’re now ready to go big time.”

As Mayer begins his world wide journey he’ll be taking the “Bottle Boy” with him to major cycling events. But more importantly he’s got distribution agreements for the UK, Canada, Japan and Singapore in place. Does the Bottle Boy have a passport we need to ask?

Clean Bottle Official Website

 

Video of the Bottle Boy in Action

Quiznos Pro Challenge Stages and Host Cities Announced

This week it was official. Pro cycling is returning to Colorado with the inaugural 2011 international Quiznos Pro Challenge, which will run from August 22-28. The race will feature seven stages, traveling through Colorado’s picturesque landscape, while visiting 11 host cities. This proves to the be the most challenging pro-cycling race in American history as the event will cover 600 miles.

“We are excited to welcome sports fans and the international cycling community to many of Colorado’s most beautiful regions,” said Governor Bill Ritter. “The Quiznos Pro Challenge will provide a majestic tour of many of the state’s natural treasures while becoming the battleground for one of the world’s most intense competitions.” Continue reading Quiznos Pro Challenge Stages and Host Cities Announced

SRAM Joins With the Advocacy Advance Partnership

This week bicycle component Sram announced its continued support for the League of American Bicyclists and the Alliance for Biking & Walking. This is part of a new, three-year campaign to double federal funding for bicycling and walking by 2013. SRAM is backing this Advocacy Advance initiative by awarding up to $1.2 million to the League and Alliance over the next three years to unite active transportation advocates across the nation, and to give them tools and resources to secure even greater increased funding from existing federal transportation programs for crucial bike and pedestrian projects. Continue reading SRAM Joins With the Advocacy Advance Partnership

Get Moving with Kinect

Today Microsoft released the Kinect for Xbox 360 in stores. This is the device that uses motion capture to maneuver within games, replacing the controller. This means you pretty much have to play games standing up and in many cases pull off full body movements to play.

Here are a group of games that are also now in stores in conjunction with the release of Kinect.

  • Your Shape: Fitness Evolved (Ubisoft)
  • MotionSports (Ubisoft)
  • Dance Central (MTV Games)
  • Adrenalin Misfits (Konami)
  • Game Party: In Motion (Warner Home Video Games)
  • Zumba Fitness: Join the Party (Majesco)
  • Sonic Free Riders (Sega)
  • Michael Jackson The Experience (Ubisoft)
  • Kinect Sports (Microsoft)
  • Deca Sports Freedom (Hudson Soft)
  • EA Sports Active 2.0 (EA)
  • The Biggest Loser (THQ)
  • Dance Masters (Konami)
  • Michael Phelps: Push Limit (505 Games)
  • Get Fit with Mel B (Deep Silver)
  • Kinect Joy Ride (Microsoft)