ThisNext Blog - *Adventure/Sport/Travel

Three Day Weekends

VMA — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:29:00 +0000

Hopefully everyone enjoyed their extended Labor Day weekend. I took a road trip up to the Bay where I gorged on BBQ and caught up on quite a bit of sleep. For all those considering a similar adventure, here is a list of my personal road trip essentials (including some favorite stops along the California coast line). So if your in the market for a weekend excursion I suggest a road trip with friends and a weekend of relaxation. ENJOY!

See more of my ROAD TRIPSSSS list at ThisNext.

Nobody Walks in LA?

VMA — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:00:38 +0000

Contrary to popular opinion, Angelenos are not constantly stuck in traffic. They get out of their cars every once and a while. This ThisNexter knows that a casual walk can be taken to the next level and really turn into a fitness program. It doesn’t take much and the benefits can be enormous. And, again contrary to popular belief, Los Angeles has a lot of great areas to do your fit-walk. Check out these nifty products to get geared up for a fitness walk around your city. There is a lot to see here in LA and we at ThisNext are sure that there is a ton to see all over and the best way to do it is through a fitness walk in your town!

See more of my Walking in LA list at ThisNext.

In Case of Zombies

VMA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:58:55 +0000

Last week the knowledgeable minds at ThisNext brought you some handy tips for fighting off alien invaders, but the community cried out “What about ZOMBIES?!?!?” And we admit, the threat of zombies is much more real. We saw 28 Days Later and we know a crazy virus could infect people turning them into super fast, scary flesh eating zombies. But worry not, we’ve done the dirty work and found all of the things that will keep you alive in case of zombies. We suggest keeping every one of these items on hand and practicing your zombie eluding moves. Running, hitting and maybe even a few hours at the gun range should do the trick. And after the dust settles and we’ve killed every last zombie - we’ll be seeing you and your ultra awesome zombie preparedness kit on the flip side.

See more of my In Case of Zombies list at ThisNext.

Sunday Funday

VMA — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:51:59 +0000

As the weekend approaches we all complain that it will go by too fast and sooner rather than later it will be Sunday. BUT Sunday’s can be fun. Instead of complaining about the upcoming work week get in the last moments of your weekend. Wake up and have mimosas and lay at the pool. Even though its unproductive it is still celebrating the weekend. Here is a list of things that make Sunday a funday.

See more of my Sunday Funday list at ThisNext.

Michael Phelps

VMA — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:58:50 +0000

With 08/08/08 coming up we are all getting excited for the Summer Olympics. I never have enough time to watch every event or remain up to date on the success of Team USA so…I figured this year I would pick my favorite Team USA athlete and follow him as he tries to again win 8 olympic medals. Who is this superstar athlete you might ask? Obviously Michael Phelps, the dreamboat swimmer of Maryland/ University of Michigan. Phelps won 6 Gold Medals in the 2004 Olympic Games and is my favorite athlete in the summer olympics. Here is a list of all things Michael Phelps. His biography, posters and Team USA swim gear to get you excited for his upcoming meets. If you didn’t care about him before, hopefully you will now!!

08/08/08

See more of my Phelps Fan 08 list at ThisNext.

I'm retired...just kidding

VMA — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:25:46 +0000

Most people are dissatisfied with their professions. Grievances of insubstantial wages, poor benefits, and sheer boredom have many people closely monitoring their watches for 5pm to roll around. Professional athletics presents an exception. Being able to play the sport that you love in front of millions and for a salary beats U.S. per capita income by many orders of magnitude keeps a smile on most athletes’ faces. Breakthroughs in conditioning, nutrition, and supplementation enable athletes to extend their careers even longer; consider Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds who were able to remain two of the most potent forces in baseball well into their 40s. With the exception of those that retire due to a physical inability to perform, it’s no wonder why athletes waffle in debating when to walk away. At 38, Brett Favre recently unretired and expects to compete for the starting QB position at Green Bay (or whatever team they ultimately deal him to). Let’s look at a few products from others unretirees:

Unretired
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The 2008 Beijing Olympics

Kristie — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:38:21 +0000

The Games of the XXIX (29th) Olympiad are upon us, aka the 29th Olympics. Are you ready? If not, ThisNext is here to help. The Olympics begin on August 8th, 2008 (08.08.08) and run through the 24th. They are being hosted by the city of Beijing in the People’s Republic of China. Beijing has taken tremendous strides to renovate existing buildings, build new awe-inspiring pieces of architecture (see the Beijing National Stadium below), and overhaul their transportation system to accommodate the expected 3 million visitors (domestic and international). While the Beijing Olympics has dealt with its fair share of problems (human rights protesters, pollution problems, and construction delays), the true spirit of the Olympics has prevailed and everyone is getting into the spirit.
Beijing came up with some incredible symbols for the Olympics. The first is the actual logo of the games which consists of a dancing figure with a the calligraphic character jīng representing the host city.
The second symbols are the mascots for the Olympics, 5 figures known as the Fuwa, each of which represents an Olympic ring, and a symbol of Chinese culture. Together, their names mean “Beijing welcomes you.” To find out more about their individual personalities and what they represent, check them out here.

Of course, no Olympics is complete without collector’s gear, whether it be pins, stuffed animals, or athletic gear. Be sure to check out all of the Olympic products recommended by ThisNext users to be up-to-date on the hottest items.

Wherever you find yourself on 08.08.08 and the days following, take a moment to think about the tremendous athletes representing you and your country and give them a little cheer. An ancient tradition is going on now and you get the chance to be part of it. Enjoy.

The Big One's a comin'!

VMA — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:09:47 +0000

The 5.8 earthquake that rocked Los Angeles and our friendly ThisNext office today not only added much needed excitement to my day, but was also a necessary reminder that we all need to be earthquake and emergency prepared. First aid kits, hygiene products, water, and most importantly food (in my eyes) are all important to have on hand in case you are stuck somewhere waiting for rescue.

Why is it so important to be prepared? Geologists say that The Big One should be happening soon, although they’ve been saying that since I was a kid. Alas, CNN reports that, “There is a 99 percent chance of California experiencing a quake of magnitude 6.7 or larger within the next 30 years, according to the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast,”. This dim forecast of a disaster striking was actually semi-inspiring. It inspired me to make a list of emergency supplies and kits, so that all of us are driven to build a grand kit for emergency survival.

I included a couple must-haves, such as drinking water, thermal blankets, and SPAM (it’s got a great shelf life). Recommend any other product you’d like to have in your emergency kit, and I’ll add it to the list!

Just in case! Earthquake Supplies and Kits
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Jet-setter

VMA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:34:32 +0000

Always on the go? These convenient traveling accessories are the perfect companion for your journey. From portable hangers to 3 in 1 hygiene kits, you will always feel right at home no matter where you are, as you are jet-setting in style. Your traveling needs for your traveling convenience.

See more of my Jet-setter list at ThisNext.

mma goes mainstream

VMA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:33:38 +0000

What was once regarded as unabashed savagery is quickly gaining mainstream momentum and threatening boxing’s reign as the #1 combat sport. Mixed Martial Arts fighting has evolved from the back-alley bare knuckles brawls that most people associate it with. Now, there’s strict measures put in place to mitigate injuries and to protect fighters when they’re in vulnerable positions. For example, in many fight organizations, knees to the head of downed opponents in addition to any blows to the back of the head (downed or not) are prohibited.

Combat is no longer just stand-up striking but incorporates disciplines that include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grappling, and ground submissions. Though fighters do get knocked out, oftentimes matches will end in someone submitting (“tapping out”) to an arm bar - a painful arm lock that hyperextends the elbow - or a rear naked choke hold. Other popular submissions include a triangle choke, guillotine, kimura, and knee lock. With the emphasis on skill rather than brute strength, the biggest guy is not guaranteed to win. Ask 7’2” 350-pound Hong Man Choi when he lost to the much smaller Fedor Emelianenko (click on image to the right).

Cool Sports Gear on ThisNext

FashionKitty — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:50:37 +0000

Burning calories is a lot more fun when you have some awesome sports gear to power you through it. Check out hwilson’s list of the “coolest sports gear” — from the best in energy supplements (bars, gels, and jelly beans) to a sweet bike to cycle around town in. Trust me, you are in good hands with this list of products.

See more of the Cool Sports Gear list by hwilson at ThisNext.

Intel-inside Bike

matthew — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:51:26 +0000

Orange County Choppers, Intel and Black Diamond have teamed up for a computerized chopper. Just like a car stereo, the computer is all weather and can withstand the vibrations of the bike. The bike has a digital dashboard which offers web access, and various forms of entertainment and processor based operations. Instead of rear view mirrors, the bike has a couple of LCDs and two rear mounted cameras.

That’s not all. Bluetooth capabilities, Wi-Fi, and GPS are also available. Did I mention that a fingerprint recognition system acts as the ignition? Depending on what it can do, the PC costs between $6,000-$10,000, plus now the price of the bike you want it on. I guess you pay for what you get.

Complex blog

Ah, Polo. The Game Of Kings, Nobles, and ... Geeks?

Kevin — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:19:48 +0000

We all know what polo is, right? At least you do if you’ve seen Pretty Woman, which sadly, I have. More than once, I have to say. Who can forget the famous polo scene in that movie? Mostly because of Julia Roberts’ awesome line, “You could freeze ice on his wife’s ass.” But pleasantries aside, you see how the sport is depicted as a game for the rich and the snooty to play, the bluebloods if you will.

That is, until Woz and crew moved in. Steve Wozniak is the other half of the team that created Apple Computers back in the day, the other half being Steve Jobs. While Jobs is content to sit back from on high and invent iPods and iPhones and iThings, Woz likes venturing into uncharted territory and claiming new ground. A few years ago, the Woz got into playing polo on Segways, which is something the inventor of the two-wheeled transport probably never thought of. However, Woz and team recently reclaimed the championship cup, and you can check out the video below. Segways still ain’t cheap, but at least they are no longer relegated to the Hamptons / Beverly Hills crowd.

If you’re a bit adventurous you might try this on your own, or else move your Segway into a new arena like Segway Field Hockey, or Segway Lacrosse (ouch). First of all, you’ll need the equipment. You can jump onboard with the base model Segway i-Series. Sure it’s the base model, but it gets the job done, and isn’t bad when you start out whacking and swinging at little balls. But, if you really want to step up your game, you’ll pick up the Segway XT, which is like the Hummer of Segways. It’s rugged and powerful, and will probably scare the other team into surrendering. Just a thought.

As long as you’re going high-tech, why not a high-tech polo mallet? The Fiber Cane Polo Mallet will make you the talk of the field, and might catapult you into legend as well. Toss in a high tech bicycle helmet, like the Sweep XC, and you’re just about set. Looks like the rest of the outfit is preppy clothes, with an emphasis on pastels and argyles. Top it off with a spritz or two of Ralph Lauren Polo: Romance cologne (boy that does not sound like a manly cologne), and you’ll be ready to enter the match in style. At least … in some kind of style. If you’re still worried about looking like a geek, The Onion has some Segway tips for you.

Gifts for the Pittsburgh Steelers Fan

FashionKitty — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 06:53:27 +0000

Steelers fan are fanatics. I know a few and they are way into the Steelers. So getting your Steelers fan a standard tee shirt, or hat is nice and all, but if you really want to impress them you may want to step it up a notch with something they have never seen before. In my Steelers surfing I came across some interesting items that, by the way, are Steelers fan approved.

Since Halloween will be here before you know it, you may want to start thinking about your costume and Halloween decor. Carve your pumpkin with some football spirit why don’t you? This Pittsburgh Steelers pumpkin carving set is only $5.99 and sure to be a hit this Halloween.

For the handyman that won’t lift a finger around the house, you need to outfit his (or her) toolbox with some Steelers tools. This sweet looking hammer is sure to get that picture that has been collecting dust in the corner, for a month, put up on the wall where it belongs.

For more Steelers fan gift ideas click here>>

Breaking your neck like a lady

Jacqueline 'Jax' — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 06:10:26 +0000

Recently I went on a mini weekend vacation to Washington, DC and while the city isn’t my usual style as I’m a true NY girl at heart and shoe sole… it was a nice break from the city. Since I’m not one to ride the bus as I can’t deal with sitting on a bus for more than an hour, I coughed up the cash and took Amtrak. While I love the bigger reclining seats, the chance to put my feet up on empty seats (or full seats depending on how rude I want to be for the ride), and the sleep I can achieve as the train lulls me through the night.

One thing I did notice is when you recline your seat back; your head is in a slightly awkward position. Same goes for airplanes and well buses, if you can deal with sitting on those things. That night as I hobbled off the train due to my awkwardly positioned neck, I jumped online to seek out a neck pillow as cute as me… and I found the Minnie Neck Pillow, it can be tucked away when you don’t want anyone to know that you use a neck pillow. And it’s astatically pleasing to the eye in a black and white floral print; it goes with just about everything.