Category Archives: FSM Editorials

The Olympic Games Paris 2024 Draw to A Close

Paris 2024 – After two weeks of exceptional competitions and intense emotions, the Olympic Games Paris 2024 came to an end on Sunday 11 August 2024. In the midst of darkness, the new show entitled “Records”, created by Thomas Jolly for the Closing Ceremony, highlighted the importance of the Olympic Games for the whole world. The athletes, the true heroes of the competitions, gathered at the Stade de France to be celebrated by the public one last time. At the end of the night, the Olympic Flame of Paris 2024 was extinguished, closing this unprecedented chapter in Olympic history, before it shines again in 2028, in Los Angeles.

After lighting up the city, the Flame comes to the Olympic Stadium

Lit at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games, for a fortnight the Paris 2024 Cauldron illuminated the Jardins des Tuileries by day and the Paris skies by night. Above all, it was an unexpectedly popular success: 200,000 people booked tickets to see it up close, and hundreds of thousands more gathered on the quays, bridges and balconies to watch it take to the skies at sunset.

At the heart of the Louvre estate, around the Grand Bassin Rond [water basin] in the Jardin des Tuileries, the Cauldron welcomed new guests. Echoing Hymne à l’amour sung by Céline Dion from the Eiffel Tower during the Opening Ceremony, French artist Zaho de Sagazan and the Haendel-Hendrix Academy Choir performed another iconic Edith Piaf song: Sous le ciel de Paris.

As the Flying Cauldron was extinguished, XX, the four-time Olympic champion, appeared at the Louvre Palace. The most decorated athlete of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 carried the lantern containing the Olympic Flame towards the Stade de France, reversing the route taken two weeks ago.

The Stade de France as the setting for the Closing Ceremony

A major feature of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the capital’s monuments were the perfect backdrop for the athletes’ performances. The Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, the Place de la Concorde, the Invalides, the Château de Versailles, etc.

To close this unprecedented chapter in Olympic history, the public was invited to the temple of performance and athletes to celebrate them one last time: the Stade de France. A unique theatre, it gave Thomas Jolly the opportunity to use all the components of live performance: lighting, decor, costumes, machinery, set design, etc. to offer a final celebration of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

The triumphal entrance of the flag-bearers and athletes from all the delegations together

As the Flame made its way towards the Stade de France, the flag-bearers of the 205 delegations chosen for this Ceremony were greeted by a standing ovation before parading on a stage in the shape of a planisphere.

In a final celebration of the heroes of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, they were joined by all the athletes entering the stadium together, united and mingling without distinction of nationality, as tradition dictates. Their arrival was set to a medley of songs by the group Justice arranged by Victor Le Masne, followed by the hits that have accompanied the exploits of the French team throughout the Games, including notably ‘Que je t’aime,’ the Johnny Halliday anthem.

Honouring the Women’s Marathon, its medallists and the Mass Event Running

As with every edition, the Marathon winners’ ceremony took place during the Closing Ceremony. For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, the women’s event concluded the athletics competitions and the women’s medallists were honoured, the final symbol of an edition that Paris 2024 wanted to be more equal between male and female athletes.

A few hours before the women’s Marathon, Paris 2024 once again offered “Games Wide Open” with the first mass participation event in the history of the Games: the ‘Marathon pour tous.’ Nearly 35,000 people took up the challenge of the 42.195km and 10km courses and shared some unforgettable moments on the night of Saturday 10 August. In the Stade de France, striking images of this unprecedented event flashed across the screens.

The spectacular arrival of a Golden Voyager and the return of key characters from the Opening Ceremony

As night fell, the Stade de France was transformed into a huge theatre. In a nocturnal, deserted and mysterious atmosphere, a Golden Voyager landed in a spectacular setting. Inspired by the Golden Record, a disc launched into space in 1977 by the Voyager spacecraft containing an identity card of human civilisation, this Golden Voyager character took spectators and TV viewers on a dreamlike journey towards a fictional future in which the Olympic Games no longer existed.

Set against a chiaroscuro backdrop of light effects and enhanced by epic music by Clément Mirguet, this new character in Thomas Jolly’s artistic universe pays tribute to Pierre de Coubertin’s ambition to revive the Ancient Games. A future in which the audience rediscovered characters from a not-so-distant past: the masked Torchbearer and the horsewoman, two protagonists of the Opening Ceremony, carried the flag of Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Light shows, Olympic Rings and Hymn to Apollo

Just like the Opening Ceremony, the show created by Thomas Jolly was a true spectacle: the moment the Goddess of Victory appeared, the show spread to the stands of the Stade de France and the public became actors in the Ceremony. Wearing luminous bracelets, spectators conjured up athletes represented on pottery, then transformed into doves of peace.

After the Greek flag and National Anthem, the Golden Voyager continued their quest by revealing new vestiges of the Games: the Olympic Rings. Buried in the ground, huge rings six metres in diameter rose up, serving as acrobats’ apparatus. Gradually, the world became festive and joyful again, with a choreography featuring over a hundred performers from parkour, street show, break dance, circus and gymnasts from the Paris Fire Brigade, who delighted the audience.

During the ballet of the Rings, a levitating interlude opened up: the Hymn to Apollo was performed by Alain Roche, seated at a piano floating vertically in the air, offering a truly “suspended” moment. Thomas Jolly teamed up with the French pianist and Franco-Swiss opera singer Benjamin Bernheim for a performance that breathed new life into the oldest hymn of ancient Greece.

Under the Olympic Rings hoisted into the sky, a celebration in honour of the Games

Once the Rings were reunited in the sky over the Stade de France, the athletes took possession of the world stage to become actors in the show themselves. Like a symbol, the rediscovery of the Olympic Games in this fiction between past and future brings the world together. The highlights of the Paris 2024 edition were broadcast, bringing to life two weeks of performances, emotions and communion.

The climax of the Closing Ceremony kicked off with a theatrical appearance by the French group Phoenix. After playing a first track from their emblematic repertoire, the duo invited a number of world-class artists to join them in celebrating the Olympic Games: Kavinsky, Angèle, Air, VannDa and Ezra Koenig took their turn among the athletes and performers.

Tony Estanguet pays tribute to those who made the Paris 2024 Olympic Games possible

Taking the podium, Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, began by highlighting the emotions and moments of sharing that the Paris 2024 Olympic Games have offered: ” Since Day one of the Paris 2024 journey, on 23 June 2015, we have been preparing for everything (…) But we weren’t ready for that. There is no way we could have prepared for everything we’ve just experienced together.”

He went on to thank all those who had made the Paris 2024 Olympic Games possible: the millions of spectators, whose passion had turned ” every venue into an raucous arena; every medal into a national holiday”; the Paris 2024 teams, whose “efforts have now been magnificently rewarded “; the volunteers who had ” infused a party spirit into our Games “; ” those who have kept us safe”; the French and international sports movements; and all the public authorities who had contributed to the success of these Olympic Games. Tony Estanguet then declared his pride: ” France has showed up. (…) Tonight, I have never felt so proud to be French. Together, we have shown the world the most beautiful face of France.”

He expressed his admiration and gratitude to the athletes: ” We knew you would be brilliant, but you were magic. You made us happy. You made us feel alive. The world needed these emotions so much.”

Concluding his speech, Tony Estanguet invited the public to the Paralympic Games: “All of you who love the Games in France and around the world, I invite you, on 28 August, in the stands, in the fan zones, in front of your screens, to the best return leg of your lives.

Tony Estanguet then invited Thomas Bach, President of the IOC, to the podium, with a special word for him, as this was the last Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games of his term of office: “It’s an immense honour to give the floor to Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee, who is celebrating his last Games with us, and who I want to congratulate.”

The Flame of Paris 2024 extinguished; Los Angeles 2028 launched

On Sunday 11 August 2024, Paris officially passed the baton to Los Angeles. The Olympic Anthem resounded in the Stade de France, performed by the Maîtrise de Fontainebleau and the Divertimento orchestra, while the Olympic flag was lowered by members of several corps of the French Army.

In accordance with protocol, the mayor of the host city, Anne Hidalgo, presented the Olympic flag to IOC President Thomas Bach, who in turn handed it over to the mayor of the City of Angels, Karen Bass.

Then it was the turn of Los Angeles 2028 to put on a big show, from the Stade de France to L.A., speeding through the streets of Paris with Tom Cruise and the magic of Hollywood.

Surrounded by legends from around the world, Léon Marchand extinguished the Olympic Flame for Paris 2024

Léon Marchand entered the Stade de France to a roar he had already experienced in the pools of the Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre. Carrying the Olympic Flame lantern, he met IOC President Thomas Bach, surrounded by six athletes chosen for their sporting achievements and to represent the world: Cindy Winner Djankeu Ngamba, bronze medallist in boxing, representing the Refugee Olympic Team; Sun Yingsha, triple Olympic gold medallist in table tennis, representing Asia; Eliud Kipchoge, double Olympic marathon champion, representing Africa; Mijain Lopez, five-time Olympic gold medallist in wrestling, representing America; Teddy Riner, also five-time Olympic champion, representing Europe; and Emma McKeon, swimmer with 6 Olympic gold medals, representing Oceania.

Accompanied by these legends, Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, blew out the Olympic Flame to close the final Olymic Games of his final mandate.

A finale with Yseult, and now it’s time for the Paralympic Games!

Before the ceremony finale and last artistic performance, one of the two flag bearers of the French delegation, Antoine Dupont, gold medallist with the Rugby Sevens team, handed over the French flag to Team France athletes who will be taking part in the Paralympic Games.

Lucas Créange, Gloria Agblemagnon, Mandy François Elie, Félicien Siapo, Sophia Pace and Vittolio Kavakava (Para athletics), Assia Maurin Espau and David Smetanine (Para swimming), Méryl Loquette (Para badminton), Marie Patouillet and Kévin Le Cunff (Para cycling), Cédric Nankin, Sébastien Verdin, Pierre Fairbank, Ryhad Sallem (Wheelchair rugby), Sophie Caverzan (Para taekwondo), Michael Jérémiasz (Chef de Mission), Estelle Marsa Galant and Jenna Abodjan Prince and Aurélie Garcia (Sitting volleyball) and Rafik Arabat (Powerlifting).

This group of athletes, representing several Para sports, was led by Michaël Jeremiasz, chef de mission of the French delegation.

This symbolic passing of the baton is a first in the history of the Olympic Games and serves as a reminder of Paris 2024’s ambition, pursued from the start of its bid, to make the Paralympic Games the second chapter of a single story.

To round off this final evening of the Olympic Games, French artist Yseult performed the song My Way. An English adaptation of Claude François’ timeless Comme d’habitude, the song serves as a link between France and the United States and highlights the reciprocal influence between the two cultures. With this poignant yet intimate version, the French singer brought to a close an emotional closing ceremony for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. See you at the Paralympic Games!

Paris 2024 Reveals A Special “Medallist” Edition of Mascot

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Paris 2024 has revealed its medallist mascot: a special edition that will be presented to all Games medallists after their competitions.

The Paris 2024 Games honor a longstanding tradition

Winning a medal at the Olympic or Paralympic Games, stepping on the podium, hearing their country’s anthem is the ultimate goal of every qualified athlete who has been preparing for years to compete at the Paris 2024 Games.

Whether gold, silver or bronze, the Olympic and Paralympic medals are traditionally always presented alongside one or several gifts during the victory ceremonies.

In line with this tradition, each athlete awarded a medal at the Paris 2024 Games will receive, alongside their medal, a medallist mascot together with the Games’ Iconic Poster. For the Olympic Games, the poster will be presented during the victory ceremony, whereas the mascot will be presented after the ceremony, in the Village. For the Paralympic Games, the medallist mascots will be presented during the victory ceremony, whereas the Paralympic poster will be presented at a later stage. These gifts will be presented by 515 Paris 2024 Volunteers.

A unique edition of the official mascots made in Brittany

As with the official mascots revealed in November 2022, Paris 2024 collaborated with Doudou & Compagnie Group, which manufactures and sells a proportion of the stuffed “Phryges” available across the network of official stores, to design a medallist version of the Phryges, now an iconic symbol of the Games. The Phryges are made in France, in the Doudou & Compagnie factory, located in La Guerche-de-Bretagne. The gold, silver or bronze colours are featured on the medal emblem, sewn on the mascot’s belly, on the mascot’s sneakers and on the letters spelling out “Bravo” on the back.

There will be as many medallist mascots manufactured as there are medallists at the Paris 2024 Games.

The Games’ Iconic Posters unveiled in March will also be presented to medal-winning athletes in their Olympic or Paralympic version. A limited celebration edition will be available to buy, with 2,024 prints to be put on sale from 25 July on the Paris 2024 online store.

Going to Cooperstown in 1999

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I Can’t Wait! We Are Going to Cooperstown

My heart soared. We were going to take another trip to The Baseball Hall of Fame. One of my favorite places on earth. Just like the first trip to Upstate New York. I wanted to see the likes of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Honus Wagner, Mickey Mantle, Ty Cobb and Yogi Berra. one more time.

What I saw that day has stayed with me at the depths of my being, to this very day. More about that later.

As we walked into the building in the spring of 1999 I was greeted by two giant size replicas of two great hitters Ted Williams and Babe Ruth. I loved seeing the Babe again. “My friend Babe Ruth. Hello. Hey Ted, you look pretty good.” I remember saying. I found it very interesting that I and most people (if you stood under seven foot five inches) would have to look up to see these two sculptured figures.

My wife and I strolled through the museum looking at the artifacts. We adored the old gloves, spikes, balls, bats and uniforms that were encased in their glass display bins. These items brought me back to a time and place before television, radar guns and luxury boxes. I was getting very nostalgic.

We soon entered the wing that housed the Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGwire artifacts. This Home Run Wing was abundant with Sosa and McGwire memorabilia. This was like being in a home run baseball fantasy park. There were huge posters of both men. There were posters of each man’s list of home runs.. When they hit them and what pitcher gave up that particular home run. There were bats they used in games and balls they hit over the fences Amazing. Never had two major league men hit so many home runs in one year. Upon leaving that wing I could not help but feel overwhelmed by the slugging feats of these two huge men. One a Cub and one a Cardinal.

We continued to stroll through the hall until we came up to a narrow wing that I did not remember from my previous visit. I looked down the left side of the corridor and saw a group of pictures. Hanging from wires, these colorful paintings were displayed at my eye level. Perfect for me. I had to see these pictures. I was compelled. to walk down this aisle. The first picture as I entered the area was of Babe Ruth. His bat was over his shoulder. His face was wrought with age. He looked a little old, a wee bit tired heavy and somewhat overweight. As I stared at the picture I got very sad. I could see that his career was about to end.

Next painting was of Lou Gehrig. A smiling Lou Gehrig. I felt so happy just to be in the presence of one of my all time heroes. Even if it was just a picture. Then there was one of Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams standing on the dugout steps Their bodies were angled toward each other. I enjoyed the joy they seemed to have just being there. Ready to play another game. There were other paintings one of Jackie Robinson, another of Ty Cobb and another of Honus Wagner that I loved.

Gazing toward the end of the row of paintings I saw a glass case with what looked like a tan baseball glove inside. This seemed very weird in that all the players that were depicted in the paintings were from an era when dark brown gloves were used. . I felt confused. This mitt did not seem to belong here. I just had to see whose glove this was.

I could not believe my eyes. It was not a glove. It was a sculpture of a glove. Perfect in size. Detailed so exact that the grayish colored seams were complete in length width and color. The depth of this piece was ideal What this sculptor had captured amazed me. I thought about the time he invested in creating this piece. About how much this person must have loved baseball that he took the time to mold a piece equipment. I visualized he sitting in his workroom playing with clay to make this piece real. I called my wife to come see this incredible piece. We both were moved. I even cried.

I was given a glimpse of one of the greatest pieces of art I had ever seen. I have been to major museums and have seen painting by Van Gough, Picasso, and Dahli… I have seen the Thinker by Rodin. I have never been moved like I was by the glove.

Whenever I think of the Hall of Fame my mind jumps to the glove. I do not know if this piece is there any more. It did have a price tag of $8500 when I was there so it may have been moved.

But if you get the chance to see the glove I suggest you take a look.

Author Bio
Aron Wallad has been a baseball lover for over 45 years. You will love his honesty and his passion. You will be touched by the heartwarming stories. The unusual statistics will amaze you and the quotes will make you laugh…sometimes. He is the creator of the now defunct ezine www.baseballsprideandjoy.com.

FSM Exclusive: Intro to Pinnacles National Park

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For the wanderers out there considering a visit to Pinnacles National Park, Free Sports Mag takes a quick look at California’s newest park in this exclusive 30-minute video.

But first, some cool background information about Pinnacles directly from the NPS website:

Some 23 million years ago multiple volcanoes erupted, flowed, and slid to form what would become Pinnacles National Park. What remains is a unique landscape. Travelers journey through chaparral, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms. Hikers enter rare talus caves and emerge to towering rock spires teeming with life: prairie and peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and the inspiring California condor.

The most recent update to Pinnacles is its redesignation from National Monument to National Park when in 2013, Pinnacles became the 59th National Park. It was originally designated as a monument because of its unique geologic features such as rock spires and crags that are remnants of volcanic activity millions of years ago. However, the abundance of cultural and natural resources in the park, including its many federally protected species, made it an appropriate candidate for a National Park. The United States Senate and President Obama passed the bill that redesignated Pinnacles to a National Park which included a 3,000 acre expansion of wilderness to be named the Hain wilderness, in honor of the homesteader Schuyler Hain who worked to protect it in the early 1900s. The redesignation has also increased visitation and tourism to nearby communities.

Click here to see FSM’s quick review of the park and campsite!

The History of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

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The Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest has become a legendary annual event held on July 4th at Coney Island, New York. The origins of this contest can be traced back to a friendly competition among immigrants in the early 20th century.

The contest’s roots can be found in the tradition of settling disputes among working-class men on Coney Island. According to popular legend, in 1916, a group of four immigrants—Irish immigrant James Mullen, Polish immigrant Max Bruck, German immigrant Chris Nicoll, and an unidentified man—decided to hold a hot dog eating contest to settle an argument about who was the most patriotic among them. As the story goes, they gathered in front of Nathan’s Famous, a popular hot dog stand owned by Nathan Handwerker, and began consuming as many hot dogs as possible in a set amount of time.

Nathan Handwerker saw the potential in this spectacle and embraced it as a promotional opportunity for his business. The contest gained attention and became an annual event at Nathan’s Famous. Over the years, it grew in popularity and attracted participants from various backgrounds.

In 1972, the contest took a hiatus but was revived in 1974 by PR man Max Rosey, who wanted to use the event to generate publicity for Nathan’s Famous. The contest has been held every year since then and has become a cherished tradition, drawing thousands of spectators to witness competitive eaters from around the world battle it out to consume the most hot dogs in a given time period.

Today, the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest is organized by Major League Eating (MLE), a professional competitive eating organization, and has gained international recognition as one of the most prestigious events in the competitive eating circuit. It is broadcast live on television every 4th of July and has catapulted many participants to fame in the world of competitive eating.

The origins of Major League Eating can be traced back to the early 1990s and the efforts of brothers George and Richard Shea. In 1997, George and Richard Shea, who were public relations professionals, were hired by the owners of Nathan’s Famous to rebrand and promote the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest. Recognizing the potential for competitive eating as a spectator sport, the Shea brothers sought to elevate it to a professional level and establish a governing body to oversee the events.

Later that same year, the brothers founded the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE) as the governing body for competitive eating. The IFOCE was responsible for establishing rules, rankings, and standards for various eating contests. They aimed to transform competitive eating into a legitimate sport and attract sponsors, media coverage, and public interest.

Under the IFOCE, the Shea brothers worked to expand the competitive eating circuit, organize events, and attract top eaters. They introduced a structured ranking system and established guidelines for competitions to ensure fairness and safety. Over time, the IFOCE gained recognition as the leading authority in the world of competitive eating.

In 2001, the IFOCE was rebranded as Major League Eating (MLE) to reflect its professional approach and enhance its marketability. MLE continued to expand its reach and popularity by organizing and sanctioning eating contests across the United States and internationally. The Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest remained one of MLE’s flagship events, drawing significant media attention and shaping the perception of competitive eating as a competitive sport.

Major League Eating continues to oversee and promote competitive eating events, maintain rankings and records, and collaborate with sponsors, broadcasters, and participants to elevate the sport’s profile. It has played a significant role in popularizing and professionalizing competitive eating, turning it into a recognized and respected form of competition.

The first champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest under the organization of Major League Eating (MLE) was Takeru Kobayashi. Kobayashi, a competitive eater from Japan, made his debut in the contest in 2001 and quickly revolutionized the sport with his unique eating technique and extraordinary capacity.

In his first year, Kobayashi shattered the existing world record by consuming 50 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes, doubling the previous record. His incredible performance not only earned him the title but also captured the attention of the media and spectators, propelling competitive eating into the mainstream.

Kobayashi went on to dominate the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest for the next six years, winning the championship from 2001 to 2006. His unorthodox “Solomon Method,” which involved separating the hot dog from the bun and consuming them separately, allowed him to eat at an astonishing pace and set multiple records.

However, in 2007, Kobayashi’s reign as the champion came to an end when he was defeated by Joey Chestnut, an American competitive eater. Chestnut consumed 66 hot dogs and buns, surpassing Kobayashi’s previous record of 63. This marked the beginning of Chestnut’s own dominant era in the contest, as he went on to win the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest for several consecutive years.

It’s worth noting that in recent years, Kobayashi has not competed in the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest due to contractual disputes with Major League Eating. Nonetheless, his contributions to the sport and his initial victories played a crucial role in establishing the contest’s popularity and setting the stage for future champions.

Joey Chestnut is the reigning champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest under Major League Eating (MLE). Chestnut has been a dominant force in the competitive eating world and has held the title for numerous consecutive years. His record-breaking streak began in 2007 when he defeated Kobayashi (ending his six-year reign as champion). Since then, Chestnut has continued to dominate the competition, consistently consuming a large number of hot dogs and securing the championship year after year. Think you beat him? You can start practicing this Independence Day!

Find ways to watch this year’s contest by clicking here.

FreeSportsMagazine.com Pays Tribute to the Iron Sheik

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The sports world lost a legend on June 7th, 2023 when the Iron Sheik departed the squared circle of life. At 82 years of age, he led a full but often complicated life. What was undisputable was that he was appropriately hated during his time actively wrestling and appropriately beloved during his time after. Free Sports Magazine is proud to offer this tribute to the #1 Jabroni:

The Iron Sheik, born Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri on March 15, 1942, is an Iranian-born professional wrestler and former Olympic wrestler. Known for his flamboyant personality and his portrayal of a villainous character in the wrestling world, the Iron Sheik enjoyed a successful career that spanned several decades.

Vaziri’s journey began in his native Iran, where he developed a passion for wrestling. He competed in various international tournaments and even represented Iran in the 1968 Olympic Games. After immigrating to the United States, he continued his wrestling career and gained prominence in the professional wrestling circuit.

In the 1980s, the Iron Sheik rose to superstardom as a member of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE). With his signature move, the Camel Clutch, and his provocative interviews, he quickly became one of the most hated villains in the industry. His intense rivalry with Hulk Hogan, which culminated in Hogan dethroning him for the WWF Championship in 1984, is often remembered as a defining moment in wrestling history.

Beyond his in-ring persona, the Iron Sheik faced personal struggles, including substance abuse issues, which impacted his career and personal life. However, in later years, he embarked on a path of recovery and found renewed popularity through social media, where his outspoken and often humorous posts endeared him to a new generation of fans.

Perhaps one of the Sheik’s most infamous moments occurred outside the ring. This moment can be revisited with smiles so many years after the fact. It’s One of those crazy stories that undoubtedly get shared at funerals or when friends get together to remember loved ones lost.

In January 1987, a highly publicized incident involving the Iron Sheik (Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri) and Jim Duggan occurred, commonly referred to as “The Busted Incident” or “The Sheik-Duggan Arrest.” The incident took place during a time when professional wrestling promotions had a vested interest in preserving the illusion of the wrestlers’ characters outside the ring.

The story goes that on January 23, 1987, Vaziri and Duggan were traveling together in a car for a World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) event. However, they were pulled over by the police in New Jersey for suspected drug possession. During the search, marijuana was found in the vehicle, leading to their arrest.

This incident caused a significant scandal within the wrestling industry at the time. The media coverage exposed the scripted nature of professional wrestling and brought negative attention to the wrestlers involved. The WWF promptly took action, swiftly punishing both wrestlers for their actions.

The Iron Sheik was released from the WWF shortly after the incident, with the company citing his arrest and his behavior as the reasons for his termination. Meanwhile, Jim Duggan received a suspension from the WWF, which was also seen as a disciplinary measure.

While the incident tarnished their public image, both wrestlers eventually managed to rebuild their careers. Jim Duggan, in particular, made a successful comeback and became a beloved figure in the wrestling community. As for the Iron Sheik, he found a new level of popularity in later years, thanks to his outspoken and humorous presence on social media.

At the time of his passing, the Iron Sheik is regarded as a wrestling legend and a cultural icon. His unique blend of charisma, athleticism, and controversial antics left an indelible mark on the wrestling world. Despite the challenges he faced, his enduring legacy will continue to inspire and entertain professional wrestling fans around the globe.

Poker And Getting Rid of Your First Time Nerves

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By: Tim Jeffries

I really have sympathy for you if you’ve decided to play poker for the first time and you’ve decided that you’re brave enough to try playing against live players. I wish you all the luck and offer our condolences in advance…

I am kidding!

Of course, we’re not here to grieve for your losses in poker in advance. If you’re a first time player and you want to play against live players, then good for you. And we’re here to help by providing you with useful tips that just may be the keys you need to survive round after round of poker.

Now, first time players are what most poker veterans refer to as “calling stations”. If you’re wondering about the logic behind the term, it’s basically because most first time poker players have the tendency to call almost all bets without even sparing a moment’s thought on their decisions.

Obviously, if you don’t want to be viewed as a “calling station” (egad!), gain the respect of your fellow poker players and maybe a share of their chips also, think before you act. Poker is not just any card game. It’s a mental game, a strategic competition between several players.

If you feel that your nerves are getting the better of you, here are some tips to get rid of cold feet.

Don’t pressure yourself by comparing your skills to other players’. That’s a futile exercise. Naturally, you can’t compare. You’re playing for the first time and they’re, what, celebrating their one millionth game? If you accept that, there’s nothing to lose yet there’s no harm in trying, you’ll feel much better later on and be able to concentrate more on the game.

Don’t turn your fellow players into gods. Okay, so you’ve heard about your opponents’ reputations. Say, one is called The Crocodile because of his ability to snatch you out of the game in seconds and the other one’s called The Rampaging Elephant because he’s always aggressive when it comes to bets. Remind yourself that before they got their monickers, they were also, once in their lives, christened as “calling stations”… just like you. If it helps, mentally replace their faces with funny looking ones to lessen your feelings of inferiority.

And lastly… relax. I know, it’s easier said than done, but you truly have to relax. Block out everything except for the cards you’re holding and mentally hum a happy song to yourself. If you let external factors get the better of you, you’re dead meat. But if you succeed in relaxing and focusing completely on your game, you may just have gotten rid of your nerves for the final time.

What the Hatha!? Learning About Hatha Yoga

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Yoga was originally meant to be a spiritual treatment of the mind and the soul. It has, in today’s world, become more of a physical treatment than anything else. Hatha yoga is the type of yoga that prepares your body for its spiritual journey. This is mainly done with physical and breathing exercises as well as asceticism. This type of yoga requires the most physical exercise than any of the other types of yoga.

A few of the main factors for Hatha yoga are concentration on your breathing and your posture. This type of concentration can be more difficult than you think. Once you try this for yourself and see what this type of concentration can do, you will want to continue with this type of yoga. The purpose of practicing a great posture is to practice great meditation. You need to find a position that you can sit in for a long period of time. If you cannot be comfortable in your meditation and yoga positions, then you will be unsuccessful. The more postures and positions that you can acquire, a better meditative state will result.

Hatha is the form of yoga that anyone should begin with. Hatha begins with the basics of yoga and teaches you the inner workings of meditation and how you should begin. Once you master your own postures and positions of meditation comfort, it is time to master your breathing patterns. If you can master your own breathing patterns, than mastering your mind is not far out of reach for you. It takes many steps to reach these different levels of meditation and yoga. With practice and concentration anyone can do it.

If you are beginning your new adventure with yoga, Hatha is the form of yoga that you should begin with. If you want your yoga career to be successful you must begin with the proper steps and then learn in the right order. If you only learn the superficial methods of yoga, then you will not experience the desired results from this amazing technique of holistic meditation.

In today’s world, Hatha yoga mostly used for its physical exercise. We do not take advantage of the other benefits that Hatha yoga can give to us. It is a form of yoga that if done properly, can heal you in the most holistic way possible. Hatha yoga does evolve from its physical exercises. It is these exercises that begin and promote the mind and soul healing. No matter why you are participating in yoga, you can receive all of these benefits. The only way you can recognize them or use them to your benefit is to practice the other side of yoga, meditation. If you are unaware that these features, they will be of no use to you. When practicing yoga, you need to be aware of everything going on within you. Pay attention to yourself and you will instantly be able to see the changes that are going on within you.

Hatha yoga can be easy to learn if you are open minded and want to learn. It is a technique that can be mastered if you put all your energy and concentration into it. By learning the techniques of Hatha yoga, you are well on your way to an alternative way of healing in the most holistic way possible.

By Krishan Bakhru

Leo Ferris: The Man Who Saved The NBA

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The early days of basketball often seen slow fan-unfriendly low scoring matches that often left spectators bored. Games often only got into the 40’s and many of the best players averaged less than 15 points a game. Many early basketball games looked more like a glorified version of the children’s game of keep-away than an action packed professional sport. This style of play culminated in a game between Minneapolis and Fort Wayne, where the Pistons of Fort Wayne held the ball most of the second half nursing a 1 point lead over the Lakers. The Pistons would win 19-18 in the lowest scoring game in NBA history. Prior to that the fewest points ever score 33 points, just 4 fewer than both teams scored, and that game was one the opening night of the NBA, or BAA as it was called back then.

This pace bored fans, many of whom were promised an action packed fun experience and attendance and interest in the new league had begun to dip. The NBA needed a solution and needed it fast. The solution was an ingenious one and one that would revolutionize the game as we know it. A simple clock, with just 24 seconds on it would forever change the game.

The clock was the brain child of Syracuse Nationals general manager Leo Ferris, a man that the NBA has long forgotten in one of the biggest travesties in the games history. Ferris, is as important to the early days of the NBA as anyone and one could argue that without Ferris there would be no NBA today; and there definitely would be no Atlanta Hawks, or Philadelphia 76ers. The NBA would look much different today without Ferris’s input all those years ago.

Ferris got his start with basketball not in the NBA but in the NBL when in 1946 he helped found the Buffalo Bisons. The Bisons were pretty much a failure in upstate New York and after only 13 games the Bisons picked up and left the shores of Lake Erie and heated to the American Heartland in Molina, Illinois. Technically, the team played in Molina and Rock Island, Illinois and Davenport, Iowa but most of their games were played in Molina. The team was called the Tri-Cities Blackhawks and while they struggled the foundation of one of the longest tenured NBA teams was laid. The Blackhawks would eventually move to Milwaukee, where they took on the moniker Hawks, and than move to St Louis and finally to Atlanta.

Shortly after the team moved to Tri-Cities Ferris would go on to make one of his first major shake ups of the basketball world when he signed Pop Gates for the all-black New York Ren’s to a contract. African-American players had played in the NBL before, but only during the early 1940s when World War II had taken a lot of the white players from the NBL. Gates was the first black player signed to a contract when there was not a necessity for them, and the first one signed because of his skill and talent and not because the league needed players. Gates would re-join the Rens when they joined the NBL as the Dayton Rens two years later.

After only a season with the Blackhawks, Ferris returned to his native upstate New York and began as the general manager of the NBL’s Syracuse Nationals. As manager of the Nationals he scored a huge coup for the Nationals and the NBL when he lured highly coveted big man Dolph Schayes away from the New York Knicks of the upstart BAA.

The BAA and NBL rivalry only got worse, with the BAA stealing away most of the best players from the NBL and starting in 1948 the BAA started taking the best teams as well. In 1947 the Minneapolis Lakers, Rochester Royals and Indianapolis Kautskies left the NBL for the BAA. The Nationals were now in an uncertain league and they and the NBL desperately needed to find a solution, and Leo Ferris would find that solution.

Starting in the spring of 1949 Ferris started meeting with executives of the BAA, at first it was an attempt to possible get the Nationals into the growing league, but would soon expand to merging the two leagues. The talks ended in August of 1949 when an agreement was reached to merge the NBL and BAA and form the NBA. The BAA only wanted to absorb two teams; the Nationals, and the upstart Indianapolis Olympians; who would replace the Jets. Ferris managed to talk the BAA into accepting both of those teams, as well as the Denver Nuggets, Sheboygan Redskins, Anderson Packers and the Blackhawks. He originally wanted the merger to include Oshkosh, Hammond and Dayton, but financial backing ruined Oshkosh’s attempt to relocate to Milwaukee and Hammond was thought too close to Chicago where the BAA already had a team. The Rens of Dayton were not allowed to join because their players consisted of black players. In addition to the Rens not being allowed to join, black players on Syracuse also had to be let go.

The merge proved successful as the 17 team NBA seen initial success, but the old NBL teams had given up too much power in the merger and despite Ferris’s best efforts the league kicked out 5 of the former NBL teams the next season.

The 1950 season saw the Lakers continue their dominance and the Pistons thought the only way to stop them was to hold on to a one point lead and the ball. This was the event that usurer in Leo Ferris’s clock or more commonly known as the shot clock. Ferris had always liked math and had been good at it, and he used math to come up with the 24 second clock. He took the number of seconds in a 48-minute game (2,880) and divided that by the average number of shots in a game (120) to get to 24 seconds.

It took 4 more years for the league to implement the shot clocks and when they did the league seen a jump in scoring by nearly 20 points a game and gone were the days of games ending up in the 40s. In fact, since the introduction of the shot clock there has been only 20 regular season games were a team has scored less than 60 points, and only one were a team scored less than 50 and only one playoff game were a team scored less then 60 points.

The introduction of the shot clock caused the game to enter into an era of frenzied paces, with teams scoring what were once thought of as impossible number of points. In 1954-55 Neil Johnston lead the NBA in scoring with 22 points a game, seven years later Wilt Chamberlain would set the NBA record by averaging 50 points a game.

Ferris would only stick around the NBA for one season after his clock was introduced before permanently leaving the league and the game to develop real-estate. It was a shockingly short career for someone who would have such a profound impact on the game.

Despite all that he accomplished, Ferris has yet to be introduced into the Naismith Hall-of-Fame. He has been a finalist multiple times but never made it to the enshrinement portion. This is likely due to the utter and complete disregard and disdain that the NBA has often shown towards the NBL and its former players and staff.

Excluding Ferris has been one of the worst tragedies that the NBA has done in its 70 plus years of existence. Many people are in the Hall-of-Fame who have lesser resumes than Ferris and yet Ferris gets overlooked time and again. Maybe, hopefully, 2018 will be the year for the man who may have saved the NBA.

Resources and references come from http://nbahoopsonline.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9883795

Photo Credit: John Lent/AP

An Adventure into the Wild: The National Parks of Sri Lanka

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Are you a fellow wildlife enthusiast? Then visiting the National Parks is a must when you’re in Sri Lanka. The country is blessed with a number of these jungle-clad areas housing diverse species of flora and fauna. Read on to discover some of the most popular National Parks of Sri Lanka. Our friends from the Travellanka Connection break down the top 5!

Wilpattu National Park

Located 30 kilometers west of Anuradhapura, Wilpattu National Park has declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1905. It was later elevated to “National Park” status. Spanning an area of no less than 131,693 hectares, this is the largest National Park in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu National Park has a unique topography; a complex of around 50 wetlands known as “Villus”. Surrounded by open, grassy plains, “Villus” are shallow lakes filled with rainwater. The best time to visit this National Park is the dry season between May to September. One would be able to spot an array of wildlife species including sambar deer, crocodiles, wild boars, wild elephants, and especially the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.

Yala National Park

Book a Sri Lanka Holiday Package to explore the famous Yala National Park; the second-largest wildlife reserve and one of the first protected sanctuaries to have been established in the tear-drop island nation. This National Park is home to over 31 mammals and more than 124 species of birds. The terrain boasts lush, green environs, and is home to its fair share of reptiles and other lagoon fauna. Embark on a jeep safari to spot the elusive leopard. These safaris are available during early morning and evening hours. Travel Lanka Connection and similar other reputed travel companies will put together carefully curated itineraries to suit all your travel needs – and this can include a safari to Yala National Park as well!

Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park is nestled on the eastern fringes of Yala National Park; however, it is considered a wildlife hub in its own right. Famous among avid birders and ornithologists, this National Park is blessed with a number of magnificent bird species. A few of the most prized bird species that one can spot here include the rare, black-necked storks, egrets, hawk eagles, godwits, and ibises. The park is also a prime location to spot many wildlife species such as sambar deer and elephants.

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park is located in the middle of the famous cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. It is mostly famous for “The Gathering”, which is believed to be the world’s largest congregation of Asian elephants. The best time to witness this spectacular phenomenon is during the dry season, which spans from July to October; hundreds of elephants gather around the lake in search of water, creating a majestic scenery for the onlookers. Apart from the elephants, many inhabitants call this relatively small National Park their home, and these include the purple-faced langur monkeys, spotted deer, sambar, and macaques.

Wasgamuwa National Park

Located approximately 225 kilometres away from Colombo, Wasgamuwa National Park is bordered by two rivers – Mahaweli Ganga and Amban Ganga (‘ganga’ translates to ‘river’ in English). The park is dominated by a dry-mixed evergreen forest and is characterized by tall trees such as Weera, Palu, and Burutha. From November to May, tourists can spot large herds of elephants. These gentle giants migrate to the nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks during the dry season. Apart from mammals such as purple-faced langur monkeys and wild boars, Wasgamuwa National Park is famous for birds such as the endemic red-faced mal koha, Ceylon jungle fowl, and lesser adjutant stork.