digivation.net | Ideas. With Sauce. » Sports

Impromptu Skiing, Anyone?

Matthew Smith — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 23:41:03 +0000

On New Years’ Day, I woke up around 2pm and decided to go skiing. You might call that quite a feat for someone located in the middle of Georgia where the temperatures rarely go below 20F and the snow flurries show up once a decade (sending the good people of middle Georgia into quite a panic, to say the least). However, my aunt lives in north-eastern Tennessee, about an hour from Ski Beech and Sugar Mountain (both located around Boone, NC). A phone call later I was scrambling around collecting my stuff, and by 6pm I was on the road for the mountains.

I spent a great two days skiing, including one of the best ski sessions I’ve had yet (night skiing with no lines on freshly groomed snow is fun). The time at Sugar was fun, but the best sessions were had at Ski Beech (a pleasant surprise, considering the last time I went to Beech it was ice-ridden while Sugar was excellent). I also learned that (during non-holiday season) men ski free on Thursdays, women ski free on Mondays, and you get buy-one-get-one-free tickets on Tuesdays. I may be returning on a Thursday not far from now… However, all the activity reminded me that I’ve got to get back in shape, so along with the new year comes a new exercise regimen intended to make me much sexier and prepare me for spring break – on the way back to Georgia, I had lunch with David and we decided to plan a trek to Colorado and Utah for spring break to get in a little late season skiing and early season biking. Stay tuned for more on that, however

At any rate, I’m back in Macon and ready for everyone to get back from Christmas break. If you’re around, call!

This One’s for the Soccer Guys

Matthew Smith — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 19:25:18 +0000

I found something for Ben, Andrew, Michael, Dave, and all the other guys that like soccer.

Maybe even those who don’t. Apparently these are from GQ, though I’m not sure if they are advertisements or just cool pictures…

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Not only did I snag these from Scaryideas, but this is a little trial of the photo gallery (currently unfinished). Click the pictures to view the full size image and find a few more on the same topic.

National David Beckham Day

Michael Chappell — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 12:01:23 +0000

Today marks the invasion of David Beckham. He will grace the roster of Major League Soccer‘s LA Galaxy and hope to pique this nation’s interest in the international phenomenon that is soccer (and the international phenomenon that is himself). The Galaxy have just released a new uniform and logo in celebration of their new aquisition in hopes that the design will be classic and withstand the test of time (something that doesn’t favor the MLS). How will the United States react to this invasion? Well, if jersey sales are any indication, there will be 250,000 fans lining up at the gates for his debut match against FA Cup holders Chelsea on July 21. Beckham comes over to our side of the pond after a brilliant year with his former club Real Madrid, who he helped win the Spanish League title. The Galaxy were allowed to acquire Beckham when the league revised their rules to allow teams to have one player who would not count against their salary cap (henceforth known as the “Beckham Rule”). We can only hope that this event will help accelerate the popularity of soccer in the US.

Surfing on the Lake

Matthew Smith — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:24:36 +0000

I don’t know if any of you are into water sports, and even if you are, you are less likely to have seen someone surfing on the lake. However, along with wakeboarding, this is one of the activities that my roommate and I engage in from time to time. While I was unable to go on this particular outing (because I was stuck at work all day), Eric (the afore-mentioned roommate) just sent me a few pictures I’d like to share.

USA: Victory!!!

Michael Chappell — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:58:30 +0000

Victory on the greatest stage: the soccer pitch. Recently, the US Soccer team triumphed over Mexico to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The tournament features teams exclusively from our side of the pond, but its winners qualify for the Confederations Cup in South Africa. The game proved to be full of excitement, suspense, and heartbreak (well, for Mexico). The fellows from Mexico lead off with a goal by Andres Guardado (it’s ok, I haven’t heard of him either) in the 44th minute. At the end of the first half, it appeared that our friends to the south might walk away with the crown. However, the second half told the true tale. Landon Donovan ties the game with a penalty kick in the 62nd, and only minutes later Benny Feilhaber sinks (can one “sink” in soccer?) a beautiful volley from 22 yards out to win the game. Hopefully, will be the start of something great, like the US team living up to the hype. And if you are wondering, 26 more days until David Beckham graces us with his presence. Watch soccer, it’s awesome.