TERRORISM DOES NOT WORK HERE
By Mark Ferrara
Stonington, CT. USA

A letter to terrorists

I hope you see by now that terrorism does not work against our country.  Think about what you achieve through terror?   In the very short term, all you do is harm innocent people including children and cause their families extreme grief and sadness, and for that you will burn in Hell.  I suppose if that is what you want to achieve, to burn in Hell, you have accomplished your goal.  But if you are looking for some other gain, you should try something else.

In case you haven’t noticed, when these acts of evil happen we do not cower as a nation, we band together.  First responders risk their lives to help their fellow man, people rip off their clothes to make tourniquets for the injured, marathon runners run past the finish line and continue running to the hospital to give blood for the injured, people open up their homes to total strangers, organizations raise money for those in need… Democrats stand with Republicans, blacks stand with whites, you name it, we stand together.

Our country is not perfect and we have our problems but YOU remind us of what is really important.  YOU remind us that money does not buy happiness, that petty differences are just that, petty, that we need to slow down and enjoy our families.  We will hug our kids a little tighter, we will appreciate our spouses a little more and we have more tolerance for those who think differently.  You see, YOU make us stronger every time you strike. We will find happiness in simpler things and continue to enjoy our lives.  We will fly on planes, gather for concerts, attend sporting events and more.  Yes, we will go through metal detectors, have our bags checked and stand in line a little longer but it is a small price to pay for our freedom.

We will, no doubt, bring the full wrath of our government upon you which will bring us some comfort. You will then commit another act of terror and so-on.  This pointless cycle can go on forever and does not work for anyone, just look at the Middle East.  You should see by now that Americans are uniquely wired to have each others’ back, to stand for what is right, to embrace people from all nations, to forgive and to band together for the greater good.  Terrorism does not work here, try something else.

Kim Lisee-Pike was the very first employee hired at Anthem Sports and she just celebrated her 10 year anniversary with the company!

Kim is the company’s Office Manager and she is responsible for running day-to-day operations in the office.  Kim has become an expert in all areas of the business including sports equipment product knowledge, distribution, customer service, catalog production and much more.  Kim’s attention to detail, hard work and dedication has helped Anthem Sports become an industry leader in the sports equipment market. Thank you Kim!!!

The most popular line of fast pitch softball pitching mats bears one of the most legendary names in softball.

Jenny Finch, the former star pitcher for the U.S. National fast pitch softball team, has endorsed three new mats that specialize in allowing players to take their pitching drills indoors during the offseason. The mats provide a proper pitching surface in any location and include a clear 2″ power line down the center, which gives a clear guide with which pitchers can align their throws to maintain proper mechanics.

Even though she hasn’t officially taken the mound in three years, Finch remains the most famous softball player on earth and one of the game’s most visible figures. Outside of promoting her own softball line, Finch has been a spokeswoman and advocate for the sport and can be seen on ESPN as part of the network’s college softball coverage.

The crown jewel of Finch’s product line, though, is the Pitching Lane Pro Softball Pitching Mat, a 3′ X 10′ artificial turf mat that is cushioned to hold up against repeated use and features a rubberized back that will stay put on the gym floor. What makes the model truly special are the 6″ white barriers on both sides, which will help pitchers stay within the pitching lane, as required by NCAA Rule 2.19. Training with such tools is instrumental for any pitcher hoping to refine their mechanics and adjust to new rules at the next level.

Keep in mind, though, the new mats are just a fraction of the fastpitch pitching aids available from Anthem Sports that can help pitchers get the training they need to improve their game and get a leg up on the competition. A pitching surface is just one thing that players need to practice during the offseason, so make sure to incorporate other aids such as pitching screens, resistance bands, and Proper Pitch pitching mounds.

While there are many smaller pop-up goal options on the market in the 3′x5′ and 4′x6′ size range, never has there been an option for a larger pop-up goal style until now. BOWNET’s revolutionary design allows for up to a full-size, 8′ x 24′ pop-up goal that is durable, portable and easy to set up.                     

The essence of BOWNET’S product design is the “bow” in the poles.  This unique design offers a flexible, lightweight and portable system that is durable enough for heavy use. Traditionally, larger goals needed to be made of steel or aluminum to hold up the net. The BOWNET curved pole design allows the frame to span greater distances with virtually no sag in the net. The goals also feature an Energy Absorption System that prevents tipping. The lowered impact also allows both the net and the frame of the goal to live longer and, in the end, saves you money.

The goals have a two-minute setup time, which eliminates most of the hassle when moving and the larger size goals, and includes a wheeled carry bag to make transportation easy.

BOWNET soccer goals are ideal for backyards, teams or leagues that share fields with other sports or any situation requiring a reasonably priced portable goal. Sizes include 3′x5′, 4 x8′, 5′x10′, 6′x12′, 6’6”x18′, 7′x21′ and 8′x24′ – find one that works for you!

Recently, this blog examined the poor behavior exhibited at a local sports facility. While coaches, athletes and fans were all guilty of the inappropriate actions listed in the account, parents were some of the worst offenders. However, young athletes shouldn’t have to worry about whether their parents will behave themselves at their games. Additionally, parents should know that their actions may be copied by their children and it’ s important to set a strong example of good sportsmanship.

Fortunately, there are ways for directors and referees to ensure parents don’t get out of line.

Here are a few:

Stop the game if necessary – Properly trained referees should understand that no spectator is allowed to make themselves bigger than the sport. If a parent is getting out of line by yelling at a coach, referee or other parent, the game should be stopped until the situation is addressed.

Separate the problem individuals - “Your kid isn’t better than my kid!” That might be a common phrase heard from the bleachers, but it is completely out of line. When two parents argue over the athletic abilities of their children, they are usually arguing about themselves. This behavior is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. If two parents cannot sit close to one another without arguing, officials can ask one of them to move to another section of the stands.

Don’t be afraid to eject the parent - Sometimes, simply stopping the action and telling the “adult” to settle down can be enough. Other times, an example can be made of the perpetrator. By kicking the parent out of the game and forcing them to do a “walk of shame” out of the arena, they will likely think twice before crossing a coach or official in the future.

It’s important for parents and coaches to remember that you can’t spell “student athlete” without “student.” Sports can certainly be an important part of a young person’s life, but anyone in school cannot compromise their studies for athletics. This can be difficult, especially when kids play multiple sports throughout the school year and who are pressured to receive accolades like awards and scholarships. Finding a balance is best.

By following these simple tips, both parents and coaches can help ensure their athletes are stars in the classroom and on the field.

- Organize homework time after sports are over – When kids get out of practice, they probably aren’t in the mood to study, but study they must. Parents need to work with their kids by and help them with homework the best they can, to ensure it gets done after a game or practice. Organizing a designated time and laying out weekly assignments ahead of time will keep kids on a tight schedule and in line, making sure everything gets done.

- Make sure lines of communication are open - For coaches, simply sitting down with each student athlete once a week to go over any scholastic issues (homework, tests, etc.) can make a major impact. Parents should also be proactive and ask if their kids are overwhelmed. By communicating with their children, they can recognize potential issues and resolve them before they become major problems.

- Missing one practice isn’t the end of the world - It’s important to get kids to as many practices and games as possible, but if a compromise has to be made, it should be on the athletic side. There will always be the next practice or game. Not studying for a test will have a much larger impact. Coaches need to understand this as well and practice forgiveness if studies get in the way, because knowledge is still the most important part of school.

For athletes, getting the proper amount of sleep is of the utmost importance. It gives them a chance to recharge their batteries and prepare them for battle on the gridiron, ice, parquet, diamond or anywhere else they play. Athletes should do whatever they can do get eight hours of shuteye each night, even if they are traveling with the team and staying in a hotel.

It’s easy to get appropriate sleep when at home, but for those on the road, following these tips will help get adequate shuteye.

- Implement a lights out curfew - Athletes need to be in bed at a certain time if they are to get enough sleep. Walking around to each door and making sure everyone is in their room with the lights off roughly 30 minutes before they should be asleep will help ensure they get enough rest.

- Set up an easy morning schedule - Sleep is just as important in the early morning as it is at night. Coaches shouldn’t stress their players with a complicated morning. No going anywhere for breakfast that will be time consuming. A simple meal in the hotel dining room will suffice. The longer the players can rest before having to wake up, the better.

- Make sure players have something to remind them from home - While parents won’t be there with their young athletes, they can help them feel comfortable on the road by ensuring they pack something they are comfortable with. Maybe it’s a shirt they like sleeping in or maybe they’re only comfortable waking up to their own alarm clock. These things can make a big difference on game day.

- Double up on your alarm – When traveling for away games, players often have anxiety about the game the next day. They may also worry about waking up on time to make the team breakfast or bus to the field which can affect how easily they fall asleep.  Remove this anxiety by setting at least two alarms.  Use a combination of cell phone and watch alarms, traditional alarm clocks and wake-up calls from the hotel. If you are using the hotel’s alarm clock be sure it is set to AM!  Double up on your alarm and have peace of mind when trying to fall asleep!

It’s the beginning of the year, which means most people are doing two things: Trying to burn off the holiday pounds and trying to finally get that beach body back for the summer. Core training is one of the more popular trends to lean toward because it burns fat, builds muscle and strengthens the center of your body. However, after a few weeks, exercises can get stale. By following these techniques, you can shock your body, change things up and have more fun while you’re at it!

- Get off the ground - Most people think of core training as laying on their backs, doing situp after situp to get those rock hard abs. First of all, there’s more to the core than just abs. Second, there are ways to strengthen the core by standing up and moving around. Moving the core in multiple directions, whether that means bending, twisting, pushing or pulling, can build strength without having to lay down.

- Build core training into your daily activities - You’d be surprised just how active you are during the day. Going to work, walking around the office and going home are all opportunities to add a little extra fitness to your day. Apply some of the principles of the first tip and use your daily movements to better your core. Clench your abs during the day. Use strong twisting motions when moving around. The results could shock you.

- Get all your muscles - Did you know there are deep layers of the abdomen that usually aren’t touched during a workout? The transverse abdominis is one of the deepest layers of the muscle, but it is important as it helps keep the pelvis stable.Reach this deep muscle with the help of core training equipment like stability balls and versa-tubes. By hitting this muscle, you will benefit your core as a whole.

Inappropriate behavior exhibited by parents, coaches and fans has become a major problem at youth sporting events. At one sports facility in Connecticut where they have indoor soccer leagues, this unacceptable behavior will be tolerated no longer.

Such behavior at this facility included parent on parent verbal fights in the stands, coach on coach verbal attacks during the games, coach and parent verbal attacks on the referees (many of them youth referees) and even two girls squaring off to fight during a game.  This type of behavior became such an issue that the owner had to release a statement condemning coaches, parents and fans for their inexcusable actions.

The owner stated “there will be no more warnings as they have already been used up!”   “Anyone causing an unsafe fun and family environment will be asked to leave the facility and not return”.

It doesn't have to come to that. By following these simple rules, parents, coaches, players and fans can provide a better experience for everyone:

Be respectful of others - Parents should respect other parents in the stands and remember they are there for the athletes, not for themselves.

Respect the position of the referee – Bad calls are a part of the game. It does not give anyone the right to verbally attack the referee.  Keep in mind that referees do not purposely want to make a bad call.

Lead by example - Anyone in a position of authority should be extra careful about the nature of their conduct. Players look up to the team leaders, so it's important for coaches to act the way they want their athletes to act.  This goes for parents as well.  Think of how you may be embarrassing you kids with your poor behavior, these can be lasting impressions.  Keep things in perspective and at the very least, you can teach your kids that in life, things do not always go your way.

In any sport, team hydration is incredibly important. Athletes need to drink plenty of water before, during and after competing to make sure they don't get cramps, which can lead to more serious injuries. While this blog recently talked about the importance of drinking enough water and how to make sure athletes are drinking enough, there are other drinks that can be just as beneficial.

Here are a few other drinks for athletes, particularly for after physical activities.

Protein shakes - These are perfect for muscle recovery. Whey protein helps regenerate broken down muscle tissue after working out or competing in athletic competition. Within 30 minutes, athletes who consume a healthy portion of protein will speed up their recovery efforts. While it's not uncommon to see bodybuilders drink 40, 60 or even 100 grams in one sitting, athletes should determine how much to drink by considering their age, weight and the level of their workout.

Gatorade and other sports drinks - These aren't always the best option, but they replace electrolytes lost in the body during intense physical activity. As this blog recently pointed out, the longer an athlete exercises, the more these types of drinks can help. They are also delicious, which can't always be said for every kind of protein shake, so coaches will have a much easier time getting their players to drink them. There are a number of low-calorie options that provide similar levels of good nutrients while taking out a lot of sugar and bad ingredients, so parents and coaches should look for those in the grocery store.

Chocolate milk - No, that's not a typo. In fact, chocolate milk, if prepared properly, could serve as a much tastier alternative to whey protein shakes. Milk contains a healthy dose of protein. Skim milk doesn't contain any unhealthy fats and will give athletes a delicious and healthy drink. While the idea of adding chocolate to milk might sound unhealthy, adding a bit of healthy dark chocolate can add more protein to a drink while making it all the more delicious. This is best consumed 30 minutes to an hour after activity.