Athletic Women Blog - Internet

Amanda Beard in the news

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:50:00 -0400

Seven-time Olympic medalist Amanda Beard returns to competitive swimming this week, and along with that naturally comes a return to celebrity life, in not entirely predictable ways, as it turns out.

For instance, the New York Times recently ran a profile of Beard, one especially noteworthy because in it she reveals a past struggle with self-injury (i.e., deliberately cutting herself). It's good Beard draws attention to what is a serious, often shrouded problem, though likely better without so much attendant pop psychology—self-injury is rather more complicated and physiological than that.

And something else caught my attention, this time more by accident. Looking as I often do at the news ticker to the left, I saw a headline titled "The 20 Skankiest Women in Sports." More fine Internet "journalism," no doubt, but intriguing enough that I took the bait. I found nothing that was terribly surprising—mostly women who date or have dated one or more male athletes—that is, until I got to the list's headliner: Amanda Beard. And why is Beard there? Because she posed in Playboy, awful crime that it is, and for the "wrong" reason.

More evidence that female athletes, like most women really, seldom get a break. Always there is someone—be it prude or misogynist—waiting to pass harsh judgment.

Jennifer Rodriguez: the Web's "most dangerous" Olympic athlete

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:18:00 -0500

Olympic speed skater Jennifer Rodriguez finds herself atop a strange list.

A reminder, just in case she (or we) needed one, that the Internet is like a shadowy lodestone attracting seemingly in greater measure the unreasonable and the unscrupulous. But disturbing as that is to ponder, it is better than another simile, one possibly more faithful: a finely polished mirror in which we find a clearer than we'd like to think reflection of our world and ourselves.

Ballet gone wrong

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:35:00 -0500

This week brings us to the holiday season. For many, The Nutcracker is a tradition this time of year. Everywhere young ballerinas prepare earnestly for school and community productions of the popular ballet. But their practice sessions aren't always innocent; now and then things go wrong, as here with "Waltz of the Flowers":

Have a wonderful holiday!

Jenny Finch teams up with Avocados. Serena Williams, Mother Nature face off.

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:10:00 -0400

Time once more to recognize organizations that have wisely decided to enlist star female athletes to promote their goods and services. Of which there are two today:

The Amazing Avocado:

Jenny Finch has teamed up with Avocados and kicked off the Avocado League. Eight women are competing for the game day avocado recipe that best embodies the spirit, passion and flavor of their hometown. Stop by www.theamazingavocado.com/bighit to take a look at the delicious recipes. Votes will be counted from September 23 until October 14. The "Big Hit" recipe – the one with the most votes – wins the title of Avocado League MVP and receives the grand slam prize package – a $1,000 grocery gift card and a year's supply of avocados.

Tampax:

Tampax, the number one tampon brand in the U.S., announced today that tennis champion Serena Williams will appear in a print advertising campaign starting in October 2009. The images bring to life Tampax's "Outsmart Mother Nature" campaign, further illustrating the brand's commitment to celebrating today's women and empowering them to live life on their own terms every day.

Williams will be featured in a series of playful, lighthearted advertisements and online videos. In each piece, Williams defeats Tampax's Mother Nature character, who tries to deliver her "monthly gift" in an unsuccessful attempt to throw Williams off her game – on and off the tennis court.

"Serena embodies the energy, independence and strength we celebrate in women, and this exciting partnership is a game-changing moment for the feminine care industry," said Courtney Schuster, Associate Brand Manager, Tampax. "In this creative, lighthearted campaign, Serena embodies the playful wit of Tampax as she continues to be a champion and successfully Outsmarts Mother Nature."

We end with a video from the new Tampax campaign. Not so surprisingly, this ad has raised eyebrows and prompted a few comments (e.g. see here and here). I refrain from comment, yielding for once to my prudent self:

How to watch Carano vs. Cyborg on the cheap

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:25:00 -0400

Perhaps you are like me. You don't watch enough television to justify a subscription to one or more of the premium channels. (My satellite bill has only one extra on it, a sports package that allows me to get most televised women's sporting events.) Given that, we have a problem: How best to affordably watch the Carano-Cyborg fight Saturday night? Always thinking of my loyal readers (both of you), and of course myself, I have researched the matter and can provide the following suggestions:

DISH Network: If you are a DISH Network subscriber and act soon enough, you might be able to watch the fight free.

DirecTV: Here again it might be possible to watch free.

All television services: Showtime has a $25 Cash Back promotion for new subscribers.

Online: $24.95 gets you what may be the best seat in the house: you can choose camera angles during the event. Notice too another freebie: watch tomorrow night's weigh-in free at strikeforce.sho.com.

Finally, don't delay. Your chances of getting a deal will be better if you don't wait until the last minute.

Jennie Finch teams up with ProMounds

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:25:00 -0400

In keeping with my undertaking to acknowledge whenever possible organizations that support female athletes, this just in:

Brockton, MA. – ProMounds Inc., the parent company of On Deck Sports, today announced that it has welcomed Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch as the newest member of its Professional Staff Team. ProMounds is a leading manufacturer of baseball and softball products.

Through this relationship, Finch and ProMounds have joined together to produce the Jennie Finch Powerline Pitching Mat. The mat’s design includes a powerline that keeps a player’s pitching motion consistent on every pitch, and a slide proof backing that ensures a safe training session on any surface. Finch and ProMounds will also be working together on a number of events around the country.

"I'm very excited about my partnership with ProMounds & On Deck Sports, especially our creation of the Powerline Pitching Mat as it’s an amazing tool for pitchers at any level," stated Finch. "I can carry the mat wherever I go and know I’ll always have a realistic surface for practice. It’s the perfect tool to refine and develop your technique, whether you’re just starting out, or pitching your country to an Olympic medal."

The Powerline Pitching Mat is now available at www.ondecksports.com, along with information on the company’s upcoming event with Finch.

"Jennie’s talent, experience and insight into the game of softball, especially the pitching technique, make her an invaluable asset to our team," stated Joe Murphy, founder and president of ProMounds.

Finch is one of America's best-known female athletes. Her success in softball began in high school where she earned multiple honors. During her college career at the University of Arizona, Finch was a two-time (2001 & 2002) winner of the Honda Award for Softball, presented to nation's best player. In addition, she was twice named PAC-10 Pitcher of the Year, was a two-time NFCA First-Team All American and holds the NCAA record for consecutive wins (60). Finch also helped Arizona reach the NCAA Women’s College World Series in each of her four years, winning the championship in 2001. After college, her achievements continued on the international level as Finch won numerous medals, including gold at the 2004 Olympics and, most recently, silver as a member of the USA Softball Team in the Beijing Olympics.

About ProMounds, Inc.:
Over the last eight years, ProMounds has grown into a leading manufacturer of baseball and softball products. Former Division I college baseball player and high school coach Joe Murphy began the company in 2001 with a portable pitching mound. Since then, the company has launched its retail division, On Deck Sports, and expanded its offerings to include netting, gym and physical education equipment and strength and conditioning products. Additionally, its products and services include synthetic grass for high-end landscaping and artificial turf removal, as well as supply. It has also designed and constructed nearly 400 indoor baseball and softball training facilities throughout the United States, and provided artificial turf to groups around the world, including U.S. troops. Based in Massachusetts, ProMounds staff consists of professionals with years of experience in all levels and areas of sports.

www.ProMounds.com

Girls4Sport "Ordinary Heroes" contest

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0400

In a free society people can act together spontaneously—sans coercion and political strife—to better the world. The folks at Girls4Sport, apparently understanding this congenial yet often ignored truth, do their part to make the world a better place for girls and women (that is to say: for all of us).

For instance, their Pink Store, where 5% of purchases go to the U'ilani Fund; likewise, their Girls4Sport Foundation, which "supports organizations and programs that provide girls of all ages with the skills, support, and opportunity to lead active lives with confidence"; now, an essay contest that honors inspiring women:

Surf and swim apparel designer Girls4Sport will honor inspiring women with its "Ordinary Heroes" essay contest. Girls4Sport invites participants to nominate the women in their lives—mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends—who have accomplished extraordinary things or inspired others [to] dream bigger and better. The contest entry deadline is August 30, 2009.

"We all have people who've helped us laugh harder, run faster, live better, be stronger and just smile more," says Kim Ruby, president of Girls4Sport. "We want to pay tribute to the unsung heroes in women’s lives and give them the credit they deserve."

Girls4Sport will select three hero stories as grand prize winners. The grand prize winners and their heroes will each receive a $100 gift certificate for Girls4Sport’s online store, shop.girls4sport.com, plus an autographed copy of Dara Torres' new book, Age is Just a Number. Ten runners up will each receive a free t-shirt and grab bag from the online store.

Winners and their winning stories will appear on the Girls4Sport website in September 2009. The deadline for nomination is August 30, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. PST. All participants in the contest will receive a 35% off coupon code good towards any purchase at shop.girls4sport.com. Participants may nominate as many heroes as they want. To nominate a hero, visit: www.girls4sport.com/contest/.

Erin Hamlin supports National Headache Foundation

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:45:00 -0400

According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF), migraines affect women approximately three times more often than men. Of course, athletic women are not exempted, and 2009 Women's Luge World Champion Erin Hamlin has suffered her fair share. Fittingly, Erin recently became a spokesperson for NHF:

Having had some success with NHF's Chart Your Course to Relief Tool, Erin wants other migraine sufferers to visit Headache U so they too can begin finding personal relief.

Nike Back Your Block

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:05:00 -0400

Today I call your attention to what seems to me another worthwhile program sponsored by Nike:

Nike is supporting local efforts to unlock the potential of kids and young adults across the country by investing up to $650,000 in grants. Through NikeBackYourBlock.com, non-profit organizations and schools with programs in sports, education, advocacy and/or mentoring are being given the opportunity to apply for grants up to $5,000 in cash and Nike products.

WHO: Any registered 501(c)3 youth-serving non-profit organizations and schools that unlock the potential of youth through sports, which provide educational, mentoring or economic develop activities for youth and women are eligible to apply.

WHAT: Nike is supporting local organizations across the country by investing up to $650,000 in grants. There are two grant opportunities; the National Grant Program, in which an organization applies directly to its nearest NikeRetail location, and the Community Grant Program that operates through Nike Factory Community Stores in Northeast Portland, South Chicago and New Orleans.

WHERE: Organizations apply via: www.NikeBackYourBlock.com and will get partnered with a local Nike community store.

WHEN: Applicants should enter now! The winning organizations will be notified no later than October 1, 2009.

WHY: Sports effect social change and Nike is committed to improving society though youth sports.

There doubtless are many, many youth-focused organizations that could use this grant money. Please encourage any you know to apply.

Furthermore, the program already has a number of deserving applicants—e.g., 3M Track Club, Silicon Valley Glory, Central Florida Athletic Association, Pennsylvania Regional Ballet—that you can support by voting.

A tribute reclaimed: another pilgrimage to the altar of Sydney Bristow

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:33:00 -0400

I was given a fright last week when I discovered that Clara Darko's beautifully edited tribute to Sydney Bristow—action heroine nonpareil—was no longer available on YouTube. Fortunately, it wasn't difficult to find on Vimeo. Better yet, the video quality seems to me even better. A good excuse to again honor Jennifer Garner, the athletic woman who made the epithet female action star manifest:

Finally! A politician worthy of my vote

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:51:00 -0400

If you frequent this blog you know that I'm not enthralled with politics, my view of it instead being rather cynical. And for its full-time practitioners, I have little regard. (I set the bar low, and they seldom disappoint me.)

Now, however, there is someone we can vote for with a clean conscience: Wonder Woman. (If only this were the real thing.)

Be sure to vote for Wonder Woman this Friday. In the meantime, you can show your support on Facebook and Twitter.

"chin ups are near impossible and lunges suck"

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:20:00 -0400

An utterance you might expect when a relatively unathletic actress is slated to play a superheroine, arguably the most common Hollywood casting blunder. This comes from Scarlett Johansson, who is trying to transform herself so she can play Black Widow in Iron Man II, and finding it not an easy thing.

I have tremendous respect for Johansson; she is, in my view, among the finest actors of her generation. But I also know there are women far better suited to play Black Widow. Her getting the role, then, is another unfortunate instance of athletic actresses being passed over for bad reasons.

In this case, however, I do side somewhat with Johansson. Her recent piece on Huffington Post does a good job making clear the inanity of tabloid journalism's obsession with body weight. Furthermore, her new, deeper appreciation for the importance of fitness rings true: "I've realized through this process that no matter how busy my life may be, I feel better when I take a little time to focus on staying active. We can all pledge to have healthy bodies no matter how diverse our lifestyles may be."

And what brought forth her wrath is, indeed, nothing but pure drivel (even worse, their response). It's easy to see why she is upset.

Much as I wish someone else were playing Black Widow, I find myself rooting for Johansson in her battle against tabloid imbecilities.

Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of—Free Popcorn

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:07:00 -0400

Tax Day draws near. This may be a difficult time for some of you. If you're a politician, I'm guessing probably not. The rest, however, might be needing some relief.

The New York Liberty, so aptly named for a post close to tax time, is doing its part to help by giving away free popcorn to fans who purchase tickets $34.50 and up. Mention code SHAMEKA when you order tickets at ticketmaster.com, 877-WNBA-TIX, or the Garden Box Office, and you'll get a free small popcorn to enjoy while watching some great WNBA action (offer expires September 14).

Visit the Liberty website to see what else is planned for the upcoming season.

Michelle Obama's arms: nice, but how much fuss do they merit?

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:26:00 -0400

Kym (Saigh) of Championing Ourselves has written a piece that goes beyond the hoopla and sets forth the most plausible reason for the recent attention paid to Michelle Obama's arms—often missed, despite all the talk—along with several other worthwhile observations. I will add only two things.

First, there are the disparaging remarks about Madonna. I find these particularly absurd. There may be things Madonna can fairly be criticized for, but her commitment to fitness and nicely muscled arms aren't among them.

Then, a thought that occurred to me. What if Michelle Obama had Tina Lockwood's pythons? Can you imagine what talk there would be then?

The week wanes, Rob rambles

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:58:00 -0500

This news merits first mention, though doing so perhaps betrays a self-involved disposition on my part. I'm pleased to announce that this blog is now part of the Women Talk Sports Network. I didn't even have to beg; they let me join despite my inferior biology. This new network is both fun and useful—one-stop surfing for all things related to female athletes and women's sports. Be sure to bookmark it!

Brittney Griner continues to astonish the basketball world. Only two games away from a Texas state championship, she will lead her Nimitz Cougars in a Class 5A semifinal game tonight.

I also have Wonder Woman news. First, the DVD release this week of the animated movie (available on amazon.com). Second, this little tidbit, but I doubt it means anything, much as I like Eliza Dushku.

Speaking of Eliza, have you seen this commercial?