Eminem - No Love ft. Lil Wayne

The Artwork of UEFA....in Building Form

There are some beautiful pieces of art throughout Europe, pieces of art that are filled with thousands of rabid fans. Faced paints, jerseys on, and scarfs ready to go, these people fill these stadiums every game and make these cathedrals the places they are. Below I have posted some of the top, in my opinion, arenas in all of Europe.

Camp Nou

Imagine walking out of the tunnel to 99,000 screaming fans. Camp Nou is the biggest stadium in all of Europe and for good reason, the team taking the pitch every game is always, arguably the best team in the world. Barcelona has played on these grounds since 1957, winning most of them. The stadium capacity has varied greatly over the years, opening at 106,146, but growing to 121,749 for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. All these numbers are well over capacity, the stadium officially holds 98,722. In the coming months talks have started about further renovations to the stadium to add more seats, updating certain pieces of equipment and in the end making it the third biggest, non-racing stadium in the world behind Rungrado May Day Stadium in North Korea (150,000) and the Salt Lake Stadium in India (120,000). It held UEFA five-star stadium status which was superseded by a new system of classification. Talks were in the process to sell the practice building neighboring Camp Nou, but upon the choice of the new President, those ideas were ceased.

Wembley Stadium

This massive stadium has only been open since 2007, well technically 1923. The new Wembley was built to supersede old Wembley by increasing capacity by 8,000 and creating an all-encompassing football experience to all of England and the World. Wembley in it's current state cost about $1.57 billion. The New Meadowlands Stadium in New York City is the only athletic facility in the world to cost more. Owned by the FA, it is rented out to the English National team for all home matches as well as hosting the upcoming Champions League Final in 2011. On top of those, even the NFL and the Race of Champions have been held here, yes, a race! A signature feature of the stadium, following on from the old Wembley's distinctive Twin Towers, is the 134 metres (440 ft) high Wembley Arch. With a span of 317 metres (1,040 ft), this steel arch is the longest single span roof structure in the world. As a sidenote, the stadium contains 2,618 toilets, more than any other venue in the world.

San Siro

The industrial look of San Siro houses two of the best teams, not only in Italy, but in all of the world, A.C. Milan and Internazionale. Opening in 1926, it has gone through numerous renovations which has seen its capacity fluctuate from 26,000, all the way up to 100,000, and currently held at 80,074. The stadium underwent further renovations for the 1990 World Cup with $60 million being spent, bringing the stadium up to UEFA category 4 standard. As part of the renovations, the stadium became all seated, with an extra tier being added to three sides of the stadium. This entailed the building of 11 concrete towers around the outside of the stadium. Four of these concrete towers located at the corner to support a new roof which has distinctive protruding red girders. San Siro should be on any football fans list to visit before they die, especially for an Inter v. Milan match.

Old Trafford

The ground, given the nickname the Theatre of Dreams by Bobby Charlton, has been United's permanent residence since 1910, with the exception of an eight-year absence from 1941 to 1949, following the bombing of the stadium in the Second World War. And since 1910, oh has Manchester United made it feel like home. Upon getting into the the NW side of Manchester, everything turns red. Houses, stores, even the people, everything is red and the stadium is no exception. Old Trafford's most recent expansion, which took place between July 2005 and May 2006, saw an increase of around 8,000 seats with the addition of second tiers to both the north-west and north-east quadrants of the ground. United continue to harbour plans to increase the capacity of the stadium further, with the next stage pointing to a redevelopment of the South Stand, which, unlike the rest of the stadium, remains single tier.

Allianz Arena

Allianz could be the most beautiful stadium in Europe, as well as the most technologically-advanced. The two professional Munich football clubs FC Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 München have played their home games at Allianz Arena since the start of the 2005–06 season. It was built previous to that season for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The arena facade is constructed of 2,874 ETFE-foil air panels that are kept inflated with dry air to a differential pressure of 0.038 hPa. The panels appear white from far away but when examined closely, there are little dots on the panels. When viewed from far away, the eye combines the dots and sees white. When viewed close up however, it is possible to see through the foil. The foil has a thickness of 0.2 mm. Each panel can be independently lit with white, red, or blue light. The intention is to light the panels at each game with the colors of the respective home team, or white if the home team is the German national football team. (In the US, a similar scheme will be used for the new Meadowlands Stadium, which will light up in blue for the Giants, green for the Jets, and red for a concert.)

Emirates Stadium

"The Spirit of Highbury" shrine depicting every player to have played for Arsenal during its 93 year residence at Highbury. It's murals depicting 12 "Greatest Moments" in Arsenal history around the lower concourse. The ongoing installation of eight large murals on the exterior of the stadium, each depicting 4 Arsenal legends linking arms, such that the effect of the completed design will be 32 legends in a huddle embracing the stadium. Everything about Emirates Stadium, formally Ashburton Grove, screams Arsenal FC. The new fixtures and amenities found in Holloway would make even Wembley blush. The stadium has gone through a series of renovations that make it one of the most beautiful arenas around. The details put into everything make it the building that it is and from what it sounds like there will only be more to come for this growing stadium currently holding 60,355 fans. The naming rights deal with the airline Emirates was struck in October 2004 for £100m and will last for 15 years.

El Bernabéu

El Bernabéu, re-named in honor of their former chairman Santiago Bernabéu Yeste, is one of the world's most famous and prestigious football venues. It was inaugurated on 14 December 1947 and is owned by Real Madrid C.F. It has a current capacity of 80,354 spectators. Competing with the other powerhouse in Spain, Camp Nou, these two stadiums have more history than most buildings in the world. The stadium was announced the venue for the 2010 UEFA Champions League Final in a star-studded ceremony in Nyon in 2008. However, Real Madrid was eliminated in the Round of 16 of the 2009-10 Champions League, while FC Barcelona had advanced to the semi-finals. Barça fans became obsessed with reaching the final and winning the tournament in their rival's home ground, being seen as the ultimate humiliation to Madrid. The finals for the 1982 World Cup have also been held at the Bernabéu. It is a relatively urban setting compared to the others on the list, plugged right downtown Madrid.

Stamford Bridge

'Stamford Bridge' is considered to be a corruption of 'Samfordesbrigge' meaning 'the bridge at the sandy ford'. Banners adorn the stadium tucked in West London. "The Only Place To Be Every Other Saturday", from the song Blue Day, is emblazoned at the arena as well as others paying homage to the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Peter Osgood. Under Roman Abramovich's control, the club has announced that it wants to extend Stamford Bridge to around 55,000 seats, from its current capacity of 42,450. Throughout the stadium the seats, like in other arenas, have been converted into make-shift banners, the side lines reading Chelsea, while the end caps read Adidas, the teams kit sponsor.  KSS Design Group (architects) designed the complete redevelopment of Stamford Bridge Stadium and its hotels, megastore, offices and residential buildings in 2003. And as of August 2010^[update], 19 out of the last 24 major domestic trophies have gone to either Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford. In the future the Blues hope that this number can become more skewed towards the former and not the latter. 

iPhone 4 Cases - The Cool, Crazy, and Different

Over the past couple weeks since getting the new iPhone I have been in search of a case that no one else has, something that will set me apart. Right now I'm settling for the standard, matte black Incase. It gets the job done, strong, light, not too over the top, but since purchasing it I have been looking for a new one, here's some I have found.

Japanese company Abee has released their first 100% aluminium case, designed to house the iPhone 4. As such the case has been dubbed “Type 01” and is an ultra thin case, measuring in at just 3mm. Equipped with a seat cushion that has a moderate repulsion soft texture, the case is shock absorbent and is anti-slip. The type 01 is now available in 6 different colors including: black, purple, gold, silver, blue and red.

Abee

  Leather specialists ROBERU will update their range of products and accessories with an all new iPhone 4 case. The design ensures that you have full access to all the ports such as the camera lenses, USB port, headset jack and of course the touchscreen. The back of the case is lined with a woven back. Four colors will release in black, brown, red and green starting in September.

ROBERU

Case-Mate has released several neat cases including this one that also holds a couple of credit cards. Very handy when not wanting to carry a wallet. They also have cases that look like a tire, treads and all, carbon-fiber, and leather. They make hip pouches as well as a number of other iPhone 4 products and cases that are sure to come in handy.

Case-Mate

Sweet Old School Look on Luggage

 In 1950, Rimowa presented the first-ever corrugated aluminum case, which quickly became the preferred case of the traveling elite, thanks to its lightweight, superior construction. Recreating those styles from yesteryear, the Cologne-based company now present its new vintage series. Limited to a production run of 1,950 pieces, the series is offered in six different sizes—small suitcases to large travel pieces. Each numbered case is made of aircraft aluminum (duraluminium) and lined in a deep blue moiré interior, staying true to the aesthetics of the original versions. The handles are carved from a single block of aluminum, the result of a complicated, painstaking construction process, and the “retro” style locks display the case’s count within the 1,950 piece series stamped into the aluminum. The vintage series will be available exclusively in Rimowa stores worldwide starting December 2010.

Found Here: Rimowa

Jay-Z shows the Rest of the Forbes 400 How to Dress

The most delightful thing in the Forbes 400, our annual ranking of the 400 richest people in America? The photograph of dapper rapper Jay-Z and billionaire investor Warren Buffett (No. 2 on our list) drinking strawberry malts and chatting about business, success and philanthropy with Steve Forbes. Perhaps Jay-Z picked up some investing tips during the time he spent with Buffett, or maybe the Oracle of Omaha picked up some of the hip hop mogul’s sartorial savvy. Come to think of it, most of the billionaires on our list (ehem, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg) could learn a thing or two about dressing from Jay-Z–who really stepped up his game for his meeting with Buffett. Let’s take a look.

I want to point out that Jay-Z does not look at all trendy here. He is wearing a classic suit in a conservative color–navy blue–that is not cut too slim (as is the fashion now) but that fits him, a simple detail that manages to elude even the wealthiest businessmen. The first fashion lesson to glean from Jay-Z: Get a tailor.

Second, show some cuff. Notice the length of the jacket sleeve: he’s showing about an inch–perhaps a bit more–of his white shirt cuff underneath. I can’t tell if he’s wearing cufflinks, but if he is, extra points to him.

Third, wear a pocket square. I don’t know why more men don’t wear pocket squares: They can easily individualize and spruce up any old suit. And they’re so versatile–they can make you look polished and professional or dandy-ish and outrageous, depending on your preference. Jay-Z’s is a vibrant Dutch blue, like his tie, but not in the same pattern–ties and pocket squares should compliment, but not match, each other.

And last, I love the tie. It’s not what I would pick out for someone to wear, but it has a lot of personality without being overly loud. The fact that the tie is blue plaid and has some navy to tie it down to the navy suit helps. Again, Jay-Z shows that he doesn’t care so much about trends by opting for a wider tie. But the look is great on him, and it helps him stand out from the crowd.

So, billionaires, businessmen, aspiring media and entertainment moguls. Look at this photo of Jay-Z: study it, memorize it, tape it to your closet door, learn from it.

Courtesy of Forbes.com
Read the Whole Conversation: Here

K'naan - Wavin' Flag Live (World Cup Anthem)

In light of FIFA 11 being released in a couple days I had to post this video, K'naan live in South Africa performing his hit song Wavin' Flag for the World Cup. Anyone who has played 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa has heard this song, it's the song at the start of the game. This is a catchy tune with a great message, enjoy.

Nike: BOOM

Nike has just released a series of new commercials, Nike: BOOM. These ads have a wide variety of celebrities and athletes filling them. Everyone from Rick Ross to Bo Jackson find spots in these ads, also included, Tim Tebow, Robinson Cano, and Ndamukong Suh.These are pretty sweet commercials, fast action, quick cuts, and semi-entertaining. Look for more of these to be released in the near future. Also, there is a full-length, minute-or-so long video, that sort of encompasses all these together. Look for me to post that soon.

Viva La Hova: Remastered and Expanded

Motivation co-owner Mick Boogie and good friend Terry Urban just released a REMASTERED version of their classic mixtape Viva La Hova! This mixtape came out a two years ago and was one of their biggest mixtapes ever, as it got critical acclaim and hundreds of thousands of downloads. Throughout the CD, they produced original beats and remixed, mashed-up, and created new tracks that feature both Jay-Z and Coldplay. Since Jay-Z and Coldplay just announced that they will be performing on New Years Eve 2011 together and will be integrating their songs during that performance, Mick & Terry decided to drop the remastered version of the mixtape now rather than later in the year when they were planning to do so.  It contains two new bonus songs as well as the original mixes re-mastered and without their signature drops over the songs.....click the link underneath the tracklist below to download and enjoy!

1) Intro (produced by Mick Boogie & Terry Urban)
2) One Ruler (produced by Max Tannone)
3) Public Speeding (produced by Cookin’ Soul)***
4) Know My Place (produced by The Amps)
5) Never Changing (produced by nVMe)
6) Miss Trouble (produced by Judah)
7) Back At My Place (produced by Remot)
8) Lucifer And Friends (produced by CJ Luzi)
9) A Spy’s Prayer (produced by nVMe)
10) Science Is Ignorant (produced by Gooch)
11) The Reverse Fix (produced by Mick Boogie & nVMe)
12) Hola Blanco (produced by Garbs Infinite)
13) Take The Hill (produced by nVMe)
14) Lost Part 2 (remixed by Mick Boogie)
15) Cold Success (produced by 9th Wonder)
16) What If We Cry? (produced by Remot)
17) No Love Coming Home (produced by The Kickdrums)
18) Falling In Shadows (produced by 6th Sense)
19) Life of Clocks (produced by Terry Urban)
20) X-Y-Z (produced by Hasan Insane)

Download HERE. 

Counterfeit PS3 Controllers Explode!

Not sure why anyone would buy a knock-off DualShock 3 or SIXAXIS gamepad, considering the trouble Sony's taken to make sure they don't work, but the PlayStation 3 manufacturer has another reason you might want to steer clear of counterfeit pads -- they could be tiny Li-ion bombs poised to explode. Talk about force feedback! Yes, the company that brought us exploding laptop batteries says that third-party products "which are practically identical in appearance to genuine PlayStation®3 wireless controllers" may burst into flame, and as you might expect, Sony suggests that you run out to your nearest retailer and purchase the real deal instead.

APR Rankings to Go Along With Earlier Article

Here are the up-to-date, as accurate as can be, rankings of how the majority (113 out of 120 possible) of D-I, BCS, college coaches rank as far as success OFF the field. The seven coaches left off the list are in their first seasons, so, understandably, it's hard to gather data about them since these numbers are collective from the 2003/04 season up to the 2008/09 one. Below are the top 25 and bottom 25 coaches as far as academic success rates in the NCAA. The grade is out of 1000, that being the best.

Best 25 coaches ranked by APR

1. Troy Calhoun, Air Force 985
(tie). Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern 985
3. Dabo Swinney, Clemson 982
4. Greg Schiano, Rutgers 981
5. x-Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech 980
6. Ken Niumatalolo, Navy 976
7. Randy Shannon, Miami 975
8. x-Mike London, Virginia 974
9. Chris Petersen, Boise State 973
10. x-David Cutcliffe, Duke 971
(tie). Frank Spaziani, Boston College 971
12. x-Dave Clawson, Bowling Green 969
(tie). Bob Toledo, Tulane 969
14. Bret Bielema, Wisconsin 968
(tie). Jim Harbaugh, Stanford 968
(tie). Mike Haywood, Miami, Ohio 968
(tie). Bill Lynch, Indiana 968
(tie). Joe Paterno, Penn State 968
(tie). Rick Stockstill, Middle Tennessee 968
20. Jim Grobe, Wake Forest 967
(tie). x-Danny Hope, Purdue 967
22. Mark Richt, Georgia 966
(tie). Bill Stewart, West Virginia 966
24. Urban Meyer, Florida 965
25. x-Jerry Kill, Northern Illinois 962
(tie). Gary Patterson, TCU 962

Worst 25 coaches ranked by APR

1. Neil Callaway, UAB 883
2. Paul Rhoads, Iowa State 889
3. Robb Akey, Idaho 908
4. Ron English, Eastern Michigan 913
5. Dave Christensen, Wyoming 916
6. Howard Schnellenberger, Florida Atlantic 918
(tie). Rickey Bustle, Louisiana-Lafayette 918
8. Bill Snyder, Kansas State 919
9. Mike Stoops, Arizona 920
10. x-Turner Gill, Kansas 921
11. x-Dennis Erickson, Arizona State 922
(tie). Stan Parrish, Ball State 922
13. x-Gene Chizik, Auburn 924
14. Mike Price, UTEP 926
(tie). Al Golden, Temple 926
(tie). Doug Martin, Kent State 926
17. x-Gary Andersen, Utah State 928
(tie). x-Lane Kiffin, USC 928
19. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina 929
20. Larry Fedora, Southern Miss 930
(tie). x-June Jones, SMU 930
(tie). Mike Sherman, Texas A&M 930
(tie). x-Houston Nutt, Ole Miss 930
24. Larry Blakeney, Troy 931
(tie). Todd Dodge, North Texas 931

Some Big Schools Not Seen on Either List:
30. Jim Tressel, Ohio State 958
37. x-Les Miles, LSU 951
37. Bo Pelini, Nebraska 951
37. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma 951
47. x-Nick Saban, Alabama 947
52. Mack Brown, Texas 943
67. Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech 938
79. x-Rich Rodriguez, Michigan 933
82. x-Brian Kelly, Notre Dame 932

x - represents numbers from coaches current and/or previous school between 03-09 (i.e. Lane Kiffin's numbers include USC and Tennessee)

Shannon leading Miami through renaissance on and off the field

Hey there, Miami Hurricanes. Everything OK? Anything you want to talk about?

From the outside looking in, Miami might appear to be a team in turmoil. After all, the Hurricanes' turnover-laden 36-24 loss to Ohio State on September 11th spawned a flurry of auxiliary headlines:

• In the locker room after that loss, the usually stoic Randy Shannon ripped into his guys, excoriating them for missing a golden opportunity.

• Starting quarterback Jacory Harris, who took full responsibility for his four interceptions (despite the fact that his receivers were to blame for three of them), revealed the day after the game that he'd received at least one racist tweet following the loss.

• In a move he insists was unrelated, Shannon instructed the Hurricanes to shut down their Twitter accounts, citing them as a distraction.

Taken together, what does it all mean?

It means the Pitt Panthers have a problem going into their upcoming game against their former Big East foes.

By Thursday's 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Heinz Field, the Hurricanes will have had twelve days to digest Shannon's philippic and mull over their mistakes in the Horseshoe. This is a disciplined, veteran, mentally tough team with a history of bouncing back from early-season setbacks. Seven days after suffering a 31-7 drubbing at Virginia Tech last year, the 'Canes spotted No. 8 Oklahoma 10 points, then came storming back. The dee stiffened, Harris threw three touchdown passes, and OU went home with a 21-20 upset loss.

The Hurricanes will arrive at The Big Ketchup Bottle desperate to get a bad taste out of their mouths, and that's the least of Pitt's problems. Former Heisman candidate Dion Lewis, who rushed for a jaw-dropping 1,799 rushing yards as a freshman in 2009, has averaged 2.9 yards per carry so far this season. That's not a slump, it's a disappearing act. On September 16th, star defensive end Greg Romeus had surgery on a herniated disk; he's out indefinitely.

The Panthers have had bigger problems off the field. Redshirt freshman tailback and kick returner Jason Douglas was suspended indefinitely after his arrest in connection with a DUI hit-and-run accident. (Riding shotgun with Douglas was starting middle linebacker Dan Mason, whom head coach Dave Wannstedt has since demoted to second-string.) Reserve offensive lineman Keith Coleman's suspension resulted from his arrest for aggravated assault.

Such malfeasance is hardly atypical for a Division I program. Indeed, Urban Meyer's Florida Gators make Wannstedt and the Panthers look like Father Flanagan and the inhabitants of Boys Town. On September 14, Gator running back Chris Rainey was arrested for aggravated stalking. By the Orlando Sentinel's count, Rainey's was the 30th arrest during Meyer's five-plus year tenure in Gainesville.

While that number can be deceptive -- not all arrests result in charges being filed -- it's still embarrassing for the Gators. As we were reminded while struggling to keep track of Tiger's mistresses, once the general public is keeping a tally, you've lost the p.r. battle.

I come not to bury the Gators, but to praise the Hurricanes, who boast one of the more remarkable statistics in all of sport. The erstwhile bad boys of college football, the heirs of a program long known as Thug U, have had one player arrested during the four-year tenure of Randy Shannon. That guy, quarterback Robert Marve, committed the dastardly act of vandalizing the side-view mirror on a parked car. He has since transferred to Purdue.

What's going on in Coral Gables? For one thing, most Hurricanes are in bed when a lot of their classmates are hitting the clubs and bars. For the last two years, Shannon has been starting practice at 7 a.m., with meetings beforehand. "Guys are not going out," he says. The Hurricanes have sacrificed their night lives.

Shannon has placed greater emphasis on recruiting character than any of his predecessors, dating back to Jimmy Johnson (for whom Shannon started at linebacker on the 'Canes' 1987 national championship team). When his assistants are on the recruiting trail, Shannon insists they go into private investigator mode. "We've got coaches doing as much background checking as we can," he says. Players are deputized, put to work evaluating high school visitors. "We tell our players, if they don't feel [a recruit] is the right type of guy for what we're trying to get done at Miami, tell us, and we'll cut him loose. And we've done that."

Job One, obviously, is to restore the program's luster, and Shannon has made steady progress toward that goal, posting five wins in 2007, seven in 2008 and nine last season.

What's remarkable about this renaissance-in-progress is what's going on off the field. Plenty of coaches pay lip service to the importance of graduating players: Shannon's Academic Progress Rate, a metric used by the NCAA to measure the success (or failure) of college teams to move athletes toward graduation, is best among all BCS coaches.

"Coach Shannon wants to win games, but he wants to win with high-character guys," says cornerback Brandon Harris. "We can be tough on the field, but off the field, we should be respectful, and we need to get an education."

Somewhere, Luther Campbell is frowning and shaking his head.

"It was great, those guys being the bad boys of college football," says running back Damien Berry of those Thug U teams of yore. "But we're making a different kind of statement."

While Jacory Harris doesn't deny the appeal and swagger of those dynastic Miami teams, "Our swagger is based on something else," he says. "It's based on confidence, knowing we're prepared, knowing what we're doing."

That swagger was absent for long stretches in the Horseshoe, but should be back in full force against Pitt. This is a deep, talented, veteran, resilient squad that will have a lot to say about who wins the ACC.

They just won't be saying it on Twitter.

Read more: Sports Illustrated

Is European Football Destroying Itself?

Real Madrid is broke.

It was broke before completing the two most expensive transfers ever in 2009, bringing in Kaka for $86 million and Cristiano Ronaldo for $123 million. And it was broke when setting the previous transfer records, buying Luis Figo for $57 million in 2000 and Zinedine Zidane for $71 million in 2001.

Real pulled off the Figo and Zidane acquisitions by selling its huge downtown training complex to the city of Madrid for $445 million. The president, Florentino Perez, used the cash to pay down $271 million in club debt and blew the rest on the players. After that, Real dug itself into a financial hole all over again -- a hole on which construction has yet to conclude.

Despite generating more than an estimated $500 million a year, which includes a TV deal worth more than $200 million annually, Real Madrid's debt is $414 million, according to the club's 2008-09 financial report.
Yet Real's spending hasn't stopped. Just this past transfer window, the club spent $114 million on new players and doled out what has been estimated to be around $126 million for buying out one coach and his staff and bringing in another.

Real's biggest rival is also broke.

Barcelona was broke before buying David Villa, Javier Mascherano and Adriano for $52 million, $28.4 million and $11.6 million, respectively, this summer. The club is so strapped for cash, in fact, that it took out a $195 million bridge loan to ensure that it could pay salaries.

Like Real, Barcelona also has a lucrative broadcasting deal, valued at more than $185 million a year, and brings in $293 million more in revenue. Yet like Real, Barcelona is in debt by $578 million.

But both teams show no signs of curbing their spending.

Read the rest of the article here: ESPN Soccernet

The Trek Support Backpack

Sure, you can just toss an external battery in your backpack to keep your gadgets powered on the go, but why stop there? Some of the "influencers" over at Quirky didn't, and have come up with this so-called Trek Support backpack as an alternative. As you can see, it packs a removable "gadget dock," which can itself be charged up and then in turn charge up to three different USB gadgets simultaneously. You'll also naturally get a dedicated laptop sleeve, plenty of pockets, and a TSA-friendly design. Of course, this is a Quirky project, which means it'll just remain a concept unless it raises the necessary funding through pre-sales. Ready to do your part to make it happen? It'll cost you $130 at the source link below.

Quirky - Trek Support

Via Engadget

Cee Lo Green - FUCK YOU

The song is catchy, funny, and entertaining and here is the visually-stunning music video to go along with it. It has a lot of cool artwork crossed into the actual video which creates a neat story that's hilarious from start to finish. Look for Cee-lo's album, The Lady Killer, out on November 9th.

Ellis Island Records

I think everyone should do this to see into their past if they can. I went on to EllisIsland.org and punched in my last name, that's all it takes. After a few seconds it popped up with every person with my last name that came through there since it opened. It gave me three names, I have to figure with Edema not being too popular of a name that these have to be direct ancestors of mine in one way or another, especially since they all come Holland. It even allows you to look at the original ship manifest where each person signed back when they arrived. The way it looks, Bertus Jacob Edema was the first person from my family to at least come through Ellis Island, I don't know whether or not he was the first but quite possibly. After a little digging I found that he later died in Alabama of all places.

People Like This Make Me Sick

Following the Miami/Ohio State game apparently this guy felt it was right for him to voice his opinion to Jacory Harris, Miami's starter QB, and a fan of the program, his Twitter name is mrhsman, telling them how he felt about Miami and their performance. Lets just say that he had a few choice words for both of them that made him look like an idiot and complete racist. It's people like this who piss me off and lose all hope for society. You don't think Harris feels bad? You don't think he knows that he screwed up? And shoot, the other guy was just a FAN of the University of Miami. It's kind of ridiculous. The guys name is Douglas Diaz and his Twitter account is motown305, feel free to voice your unbiased and heartfelt opinions on his belligerent racism. As you can tell he's a very educated man, with his proper grammar and all. Shounds lik he tis allreedy from tha getho if u ask me, I dont no y he"s teling them 2 go their.

BMW brings Apple's iPad to the back seat in X3

I think we are going to start seeing this more and more in cars as ideas start arising about how to implement the iPad in to vehicles. BMW is showing that it can be relatively easy it do.

Here's a simple development that could pretty much eliminate demand for backseat video screens.

BMW is going to install optional brackets on the rears of the front seats of the next X3 crossover that will allow backseat passengers to read, watch movies or just about anything else on their Apple iPads.

The bracket is adjustable so the iPad can be viewed horizontally in movie mode or vertically in book, magazine and or newspaper mode.

The idea may sound simple, but it's revolutionary: It means that buyers won't have to order expensive backseat video units to keep their kids occupied on long trips. They can simply bring along their own, or their parents', iPad loaded up with their favorite entertainment.

BMW plans to show off the system at the Paris Motor Show next month.

USA Today

Harvard Study Finds Teens Online Lack Ethics

Interesting article Mashable posted about how teens are lacking ethics in the decisions and choices they make online. I kind of thought this was a given seeing some of the stuff posted to Facebook and Twitter but now it is getting more light in the mainstream.

Harvard research director Carrie James took the stage at Mashable’s Social Good Summit earlier today to encourage us all to mentor young people on using social media for social good.
The online behaviors of youth and how to improve and correct them are part of how James feels new media can be used to address the world’s challenges. To further this mission, James has activity been working with Harvard colleagues on the GoodPlay Project, a study on the ethical sensibilities of digital youth. The study explores youth identity, privacy, ownership, authority, credibility and participation.
In their research, the team has found that most young people are devoid of ethical thinking or consideration for others when using the web. It’s a sobering reality that James hopes to change. James believes this is an untapped opportunity and suggests a number of actionable steps that we can take to change the way young people approach and use social technologies.
You can watch the presentation and learn more about this research in the video embedded below. Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments.

Mashable.com: http://mashable.com/2010/09/21/ethical-consideration-online/

Messi Set to Return Inside Two Weeks

Lionel Messi could return to action as early as next week's trip to FC Rubin Kazan after FC Barcelona's worst fears over the forward's ankle injury were allayed.

The Spanish titleholders were braced for a lengthy absence when Messi was taken off on a stretcher in the final minutes of Sunday's 2-1 win at Club Atlético de Madrid following a heavy Tomáš Ujfaluši tackle. Yet further examinations today revealed only sprained ankle ligaments and the club's medical team believe he could be back to fitness inside ten days.

That would rule the 23-year-old out of Liga fixtures against Real Sporting de Gijón and Athletic Club, but he could be available for the trip to FC Rubin Kazan on 29 September. Messi opened his UEFA Champions League account with two goals in the 5-1 triumph over Panathinaikos FC last week, and his opener against Atlético took his tally to eight in six games this season.

Courtesy of UEFA.com

10 Inspring, Non-Traditional Workplaces

Today Mashable posted an article with pictures about some of the most unique and fun environments companies have created for their employees to work in. Thought it was very interesting and fun that some companies actually care enough about their employees to create this workplaces. I particularly like Raw Material's series of subway cars forming an office.

All the pictures here: http://mashable.com/2010/09/20/inspiring-offices-pics/

A Day to Remember - "Have Faith in Me" Victory Records

The Trip by TravelTeq

Luggage company TravelTeq release their anticipated “The Trip”, a design two years in the making. The Trip is a travel case small enough to be stored in the overhead compartment of a plane, yet big enough to create the highest amount of comfort. Comfort that starts with the possibility to easily transform the suitcase into a chair. Discover what it’s like to be able to relax and work in any situation, even in airports, subways, train stations and parks. The addition of a smart kangaroo compartment allows you to get to your laptop, papers and pencils with ease, without having to open the entire case. In addition, TravelTeq offer a version of the SOUND TRIP with a custom integrated sound system: top quality speakers that enable you to listen to your own music in the comfort of your hotel room. Further information and a closer look is available through the brand’s website.

I don't really travel much, but I plan to in the future, hopefully soon and this would be a perfect piece to bring along. The hefty price tag is a bit of a turn off though. This nifty piece of equipment comes in at a cool €600, which is almost $800, probably more once you ship it from England.

2010 Fantasy Football Team: Part II

I just completed my 3rd and final fantasy football team for the season, I know it started during Week 2, but due to complications we couldn't hold the draft until today. I don't know how my team is as stacked as it ended up but I'm still having trouble believing I got all these guys.

QB1: Drew Brees
QB2: Aaron Rodgers

WR1: DeSean Jackson
WR2: Mike Sims-Walker
WR3: Dexter McCluster

RB1: Adrian Peterson
RB 2: Arian Foster

TE1: Antonio Gates

WR/RB1: Matt Forte

K1: Rod Bironas

DP1: Ray Lewis
DP2: Antrel Rolle

DB1: Charles Woodson

DL1: Jared Allen
DL2: Will Smith

LB1: Patrick Willis
LB2: Jon Beason

DT1: Kelly Gregg
DT2: Trevor Pryce

DE1: Justin Tuck
DE2: Dwight Freeney

CB1: Asante Samuel
CB2: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

S1: Brian Dawkins

BN: Donald Driver
BN: Greg Olsen
BN: Darren McFadden
BN: Devin Aromashodu
BN: Mike Vick
BN: Darren Sharper


I don't know if this defense is good, I pretty much picked on who I know, but we shall see how it turns out.

Focus ST and More Are in Store for the Paris Motor Show

Usually, the Paris Motor Show goes unnoticed by the majority of Americans. But this year, Ford is giving residents of North America reason to pay attention. Among other newsworthy items, it will be the venue for the first official viewing of the new high-performance Focus ST. It will also be the first time that a range of production-ready Focus body styles will be displayed together, providing full insight into this significant new model before it goes on sale in Europe and North America early in 2011.

The new range-topping Focus – which will feature a unique version of the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost™ engine – will be true to heritage of Ford ST models. It will offer driving enthusiasts a mix of exhilarating performance and handling, accompanied by an addictive sound.

The dramatic new ST will launch in early 2012 and will be revealed on September 30, 2010, at the Ford stand by Alan Mulally, Ford President and CEO, and Stephen Odell, Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO.

Visitors to the Paris Motor Show will immediately notice the car’s highly distinctive sports exterior, which is finished in Tangerine Scream, a dramatic new body color that reflects the exciting and energetic character of the Focus ST.

Ford is also moving forward with its electrification program and will be displaying for the first time the technology destined to drive its C-MAX plug-in hybrid vehicle, that will be produced at the Valencia plant in Spain.

The formal launch of the full production-ready Focus range in Paris signals the introduction of the first truly global product developed under the company’s ONE Ford strategy.

Developed at Ford’s Global Center of Excellence for Small Cars in Germany, for sale in over 120 markets worldwide, the next-generation model is the most important Focus yet. It is created from the new Ford global C segment platform with up to 80 percent parts-commonality globally. This platform will underpin at least ten vehicles around the world, and it will account for approximately two million units of annual production by 2012.

Gymkhana 3 at l'Autodrome

This is the latest installment in the Gymkhana series by Ken Block and DC Shoes. I have to say, this is by far the best, l'Autodrome in France looks like it was built specifically for Block to tear apart. On top of that, the new Ford Fiesta looks insanely fast and controllable. With a car that cheap being able to be tuned and perform like that it makes you wonder if this car is going to start selling like hot cakes?

Grandville couple surprised by Oprah Winfrey

This is my parents yesterday on the local news being interviewed for winning their trip to Australia.

GRANDVILLE, Mich. (WZZM) - 25 years ago Larry and Terri Edema had a storybook wedding, book being the keyword, because the wedding video got deleted.

Terri deleted the video when she taped over it with an episode of the Oprah show. Her husband never let her live it down.

Recently, the curse was lifted when they got tickets to an Oprah taping. It ends up the episode was actually the first show of the final episode where the each member of the audience won a trip to Australia.
The couple was hand picked with the entire audience because of their story. Now Terri's husband Larry is officially a fan of Winfrey's.

Video on the right side of this link:
Grandville couple surprised by Oprah Winfrey | wzzm13.com | Grand Rapids, MI

Study: Playing Action Games Improves Decision Making

I found this article in the USA Today and thought it was pretty relevant with the amount of people (oh 25 million or so) playing Modern Warfare 2 and other games like it.

"Video game players who enjoy action titles -- particularly shooters -- are better at making quick, accurate decisions, a University of Rochester study finds.

Researchers presented a group of players and non-players with a series of dots and were asked to identify the direction of the dots' motion. Tests were varied in difficulty based on the number of dots that were moving in the same direction.

The study found players were able to make their decisions faster, and more accurately, then those who didn't play action games.

Researchers say the unpredictability of some shooters and other action games could play a factor in how quickly players can make decisions.

"Unlike standard learning paradigms, which have a highly specific solution, there is no such specific solution in action video games because situations are rarely, if ever, repeated," the researchers write. "Thus, the only characteristics that can be learned are how to rapidly and accurately learn the statistics on the fly and how to accumulate this evidence more efficiently."

The report's findings will be featured in the September 14 issue of Current Biology."

USAToday.com

University Bans Social Media for a Week

I think this is one of the coolest things I've seen a school do. The president already has said that he isn't some Nazi-esque ruler trying to control the students and remove this guilty pleasures from their lives, he simply wants to show students how much they take for granted things like Facebook, AIM, and Twitter. You can read the article below on Mashable.com.

University President to Outlaw Facebook, Twitter, AIM, etc. for One Week

Celebrity "Relatives"...

Lately, I have been noticing more and more, lets say, look-a-likes in the celebrity world and it was capped off with Denard Robinson, the quarterback at the University of Michigan, this past Saturday. He looks very similar to rap artists T-Pain and Ace Hood. Below I have posted some pictures of people I believe to be separated at birth.

Denard Robinson, Ace Hood & T-Pain 

Larry Fitzgerald and Ronaldinho

Chad Smith & Will Ferrell

Zooey Deschanel & Katy Perry

...And my personal favorite...Ellen Degeneres and Owen Wilson

I know there are bunch more out there and I might make a second pass at adding more but for now I'll leave you with the creepy image of Ellen and Owen somehow being related.

Calvin Johnson's "Not" Touchdown

I live in Michigan, I've been here for a while, but I have never been a Detroit Lions fan. The way they run the organization, their lack of decision-making and thought in drafting players, them in general. But watching the Bears v. Lions game today made me feel for them. Lets face it, they have been beyond terrible for a very long time (thanks Barry Sanders), but the call made today put it at an all time low. Calvin Johnson was blatantly ROBBED of a touchdown due to bullshit run created by the NFL. I understand the thought of the rule when a player in the field, but in the endzone, NO, just NO. He obviously made the catch, landed and scored. It was a disappointment to Pro Football and the refs at the game to make this call. Just another reason to watch college football.

Miami v. Ohio State

This was supposed to be the game that decided two seasons, the winner could make it to the title game, the other not so much. After the 36-24 game that I would have to say is one of the ugliest games I've ever seen a Miami team play, I still don't think the season is over. I know we lost, I GET IT, but look at the other outcomes today: GT lost to Kansas, VT lost to JAMES MADISON, not the president and yes they do actually have a football team, and FSU was beat like the ugly step-child they are by Oklahoma 47-17. GO ACC!

But seriously, that shows that the ACC Title is up in the air, people wrote it off as a guarantee to Virginia Tech but they are obviously more than beatable. So there is still a chance to go to a BCS bowl, we just need to focus on the remaining games and not take plays off like last year.

On a positive note, our defense did look good, Harris did throw 4 picks but at other times he looked flawless, Miller and Benjamin were electric in the return game, and our O-line held their own for the most part, there are a lot of things we can take away from this game we just need to remember....TURNOVERS LOSE BALL GAMES!

Michael Irvin's Pep Talk to Canes Before OSU

This makes me want to suit up and take the field. Gives me the chills.

Seattle Sounders Crowd

 Last night I watched the MLS Game of the Week on ESPN 2, the Seattle Sounders played Real Salt Lake. The game was nothing short of average, but what caught my attention was the crowd. Never have I seen an entire stadium so organized and into a game. There were 36,078 people there last night, that was BELOW their season average, and the place gave the Big House or the Swamp a run for their money. They had the equivalent of student sections at each end, behind each goal. These sections lead cheers and chants that echoed through the whole stadium and I'm sure through Greater Seattle. It looked as if about 35,000 were wearing the team colors: Sounder Blue, Rave Green. and Cascade Shale.

I was taken back by how into and knowledgeable the fans were of the game. They knew what were good calls, when they should play on, and where every one "should" be positions. These diehards went as far as treating corner kicks the same as college student sections treat free throws, spirit fingers and all. I know I've never been to a Sounders game, nor do I have any plans to in the near future, but these people made me want to drive out to Seattle for the next game, throw on some face paint, and sing right along with them (did I mention they have made their own songs?).

Below I posted some pictures I've found online, these guys would give some European clubs a run for their money, and the funny thing is, they still have room to improve, they are 5th in the Western Conference of the MLS. Even with their performance on the field I'd have to say Drew Carey and Paul Allen, some of the owners (yes the guy from the Price Is Right and the guy who helped start Microsoft) are pretty happy with their team.

Red Bull Stratos: Can a Human Break the Sound Barrier?

A person freefalling from 120,000 feet would theoretically reach a supersonic speed of over 700mph. Two daredevils of the skies are racing to break the sound barrier – and face unknown hazards in their attempt.

We know this. At around 120,000 feet, on the fringes of space, the air is so thin that a falling human body would travel fast enough to exceed the speed of sound. A skydiver, properly equipped with pressurised suit and a supply of oxygen to protect against the hostile elements, could feasibly jump from that height and, about 30 seconds later, punch through the sound barrier – becoming the first person ever to go "supersonic" without the aid of an aircraft or space shuttle.

Here our knowledge ends. Experts admit cluelessness. Our skydiver could render a mighty "krakoom!" across the high skies or history could be made in utter silence. Immense forces could knock the intrepid skydiver out cold, could peel the skin back from his body or simply cause a little wobble in the midriff, like a playful hug. Nobody is quite sure – but one of two men will soon find out.

They are Felix Baumgartner and Michel Fournier, rival daredevils who have long been formulating plans to travel up to 120,000 feet, far higher than any skydiver has yet been, from there to plunge back to Earth. Their plans share similar elements – helium balloons attached to mansize cradles, space-faring equipment, lots of complicated parachutes – but this pair could not be more different....

Continue Reading: http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/sep/05/felix-baumgartner-michel-fournier-supersonic