Korean Sports

Traditional Korean Sports: Taekwondo & Ssireum

Taekwondo is martial-sports originated in Korea. It uses the entire body, especially the hands and feet. Taekwondo not only strengthens one’s physical wellbeing, but it also cultivates character via physical and mental training. Taekwondo is now firmly established as international sports in Korea, and the Taekwondo Association has a membership of 3.8 million, which consists of about ten percent of total Korean population.

Ssireum is a Korean traditional form of wrestling. It is a type of folk competition in which two players, holding on to a satba (a cloth tied around the waist and thigh), use their strength and various techniques to wrestle each other to the ground. The ultimate winner of a ssireum tournament was traditionally awarded a bull, which was a symbol of strength 

Choi Hong-man was a former ssireum champion in South korea. In Asia, he was called “Korean Monster”. His height is 2.8 m (7 ft 2 in) and weighs 160 kg (350 lb). Although he had unsuccessful career in mixed martial arts, he recently began a singing career with supermodel Kang Soo Hee under the name of Beauty & the Beast. 

Serendipity & Sweets in NYC

New York City is a melting pot of culture, entertainment, and a seemingly endless variety of food, from restaurants to food carts and bakeries. The city is on top of its game when it comes to sweets, as well. The temptation of devouring delicious desserts and sugary confections before a meal is constantly on one's mind when surrounded by eye-pleasing treats on nearly every corner of the city. With everything from ice cream, cupcakes, pies and cakes, to candy, here are three sweet eats (including the infamous Serendipity) one cannot miss out on when in NYC. 

SERENDIPITY

One might as well skip dinner and head straight for dessert when visiting Serendipity. Known for its famous frozen hot chocolate (pictured above), the cozy restaurant has been opened almost 60 years. After an appetizer of frozen hot chocolate, one can't pass up a signature drugstore sundae overflowing with three heaping scoops of ice cream and any toppings you want. Be sure to share because these things are huge! Don't worry if hot chocolate isn't your thing, there are a number of frozen drinks that taste just as good!

CRUMBS

As one of the first bakeries to hit the market with the cupcake fad, Crumbs hasn't fallen short when it comes to making the perfect cupcake. Pleasing cupcake lovers from around the world, the bakery is unique, offering oversized cupcakes with fillings in dozens of flavors. Once you try one you will be coming back to try them all. Grab one to go or sit down and enjoy each bite right at the shop. 

DYLAN'S CANDY BAR

One can't help but feel like a kid again when visiting Dylan's Candy Bar. Offering over 7,000 types of candy, there is sure to be something to please everyone's sweet tooth. A section of the store even organizes candy by color for those who love certain flavors. The store not only offers candy, but has its own fudge counter and cafe, with everything from ice cream to cupcakes and candy cocktails. Don't forget that special someone and pick up some signature Dylan's Candy Bar candy as a gift!

NYC tennis fashion

Russell Wilson: Will this Short Guy Finish Last?

Is Russell Wilson Too Short?

As students are begrudgingly going back to school - there is one bright spot - Football.  Football is back. Friday through Sunday nights for the next four months will now be dominated by this beautiful hard hitting drama .

This season the NFL has a star studded lineup of new rookie QBs and second  year players, including Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III (RG3).Luck is everything you want in a quarterback, he is athletic, has a strong arm, a high football acumen, and is tall. And RG3 is no slouch, the Heisman trophy winner has a big time arm with Michael Vick speed and agility.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Russell-Wilson/155564499897?sk=photos 

But these two quarterbacks are not the Cinderella's of this years quarterback club. That title belongs to Russell Wilson, starting rookie quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. Drafted in the third round of this years draft, Russell Wilson, who has a cannon of an arm and big play ability was passed over by other teams because he is 5' 10''. The consensus around the league is that short quarterbacks are not successful in the NFL.

Yet Russell Wilson has the athletic ability and intellectual intangibles that make scouts drool.  This ability impressed Seattle's head coach Pete Carroll enough to make him the starting quarterback over Matt Flynn, who Seattle signed to a large contract in the off season. 

So the question remains, will Wilson break the mold and be a successful quarterback in the NFL even though he is under six feet or will he be the short guy on the play ground that finishes last? We shall see. 

Additional articles by this blogger include :

• 2012 Fashion Trends: Camo & Coated - to read click here

Wanna try Bulgogi?

Whether you are now hungry or not, I'd like to introduce to you one of the most favorite food Asians enjoy eating, "Bulgogi". Typically, Bulgogi is an Asian Style steak that's served with various vegetables, such as lettuce leaves, onions, garlic, fermented beans, and so on. If you do not like fermented beans, you can substitute it to any spicy sauce or whatever dipping sauce you want.

The basic technique to prepare meats is to marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar for a few hours. There are two ways to prepare the meat for Bulgogi. The simpler method is to marinate the whole piece of steak for up to three hours. Grill it, slice and serve. The other method, which is more traditional, is to slice the uncooked meat into 1/4 inch thick pieces, marinate for an hour or two and then grill. While the first method is easier, the second method exposes more of the meats' surface to the marinade, giving it a better flavor.

In addition, there are various kinds of Bool Gogi, such as Gochoojang Bulgogi (Spicy Bulgogi) or Octopus Bulgogi, which is a mixture of Octopus and meat. It just depends on how you like to eat. Suppose you enjoy eating meat balls, then you can make "Meal Ball Bulgogi" creating your own recipe. Also, Bulgogi is well served with rice. But, if you prefer french bread or noodles, you can just add them to your list, simply decorating your dinner table with everything you want.

Nike Fashion at the U.S. Open

Nike sponsors some of the best athletes in the world. With innovative technology to enhance performance, Nike gives athletes the added benefit of style. Passionate sports enthusiasts are constantly on the lookout for the next trend or technology to hit Nike stores worldwide. A globally known and loved brand, Nike goes beyond the norm to make athletes and teams, such as Oregon Ducks Football, look and feel good. The brand doesn’t fall short when it comes to tennis, especially at this year’s U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York. As players step out on the court, spectators can’t help but notice the statement women are making with their outfit choices. From Maria Sharapova's deathly screech to Serena Williams' beastly presence, unique players such as these have specifically designed apparel and shoes to fit their distinct styles of play at the U.S. Open. Nike sums it up well (below) with descriptions of ensembles two of the top pros are wearing now. 

Over the years, Maria has epitomized style on the courts of the Big Apple. During her daytime matches, you will find her in the Maria Sharapova Back Court Day Dress. Its open-hole mesh fabric is bonded to the chest and back insets for breathable comfort.

As darkness sets upon the New York stadium, Maria will debut the Maria Sharapova Back Court Night Dress. The dress’ bright, contrast color design highlights the power mesh racer back panel designed to enhance ventilation.

During the daytime matches in New York City, Serena Williams will wear the Statement Pleated Knit Dress in fireberry: designed for ultimate range of motion.

In the city’s nighttime lights, Serena will wear the Statement Pleated Knit Dress in obsidian. The dress’ kick pleat skirt gives Serena the mobility she needs to unleash her unnerving power.

Look good and gear up with Nike here. 

photos and captions from www.facebook.com/niketennis

Read about Sweets in NYC

2012 Fashion Trends: Camo & Coated

nordstrom.com

2012 Fashion Trends: Camouflage & Coated Denim

Some of the staples of the 2012 fashion trends are camouflage and coated denim.  Surprised? Well, you shouldn't be. The progression of fashion has been hinting at these two staples for quite a while.

nordstrom.com

The overall downturn of the economy has brought a cultural obsession with all things old - inspiring many of the 2012 fashion trends. People are looking for stability and familiarity in life. This has lead the consumer to connect with their past - what the industry is calling a 'heritage' movement. Raw denim and the explosion of all things boots are great examples of societies attempts to connect with the past through dress.  One of the greatest staples of American heritage is the United States military - recognized by its plethora of camouflage uniforms. As a result, coming this fall you will be welcomed to the world of camouflage. From tiger camo pants to digital camo headphones, camo will become a major staple of your wardrobe.

In addition to camouflage pants denim will have a coating this fall. Characterized by its waxed feel to the hand coated denim is the next stop on the progression of denim. Over the last few years we have seen the importance of pocket design exemplified by the Ricky Super T from True Religion move to the focus on dark rises and now move to a focus on waxed coating. Throw on a pair of waxed coated Levi's,  a graphic tee, with some sweet kicks and you will be generating intriguing looks by your favorite ladies all day.

Waxed & Camo. 2012 Fashion Trends. Buy it. Wear it. Rock it.

Additional articles by this blogger include :

• Russell Wilson: Will this Short Guy Finish Last? - to read click here