Whatever Works

I don't think we're supposed to go this fast all the time

Today's my birthday.  I'm 41.  It's cool.  I don't feel like it.  

Yesterday I was running and had a whole bunch of thoughts.  A lot of metaphor-like thoughts that compared running with real life and blah blah blah.  Not unusual when I'm out there because the rest of the world is basically background when I'm running.  Some days those thoughts fall away like dreams when I wake back up at the sight of the dishes in the sink or whatever.  But yesterday they were more lasting.  

I thought about how I haven't really gotten any "better" at running over the past year.  I don't go any faster and I don't cover more ground than I used to.  In fact, I've done the opposite.  I think I've actually slowed down.  And that's actually fine.  I wasn't conflicted with myself at all about this realization like I normally would be.  I used to strive to always beat myself every day.  I would wait for my little Nike app to tell me how much better I did than my last run and hope for some famous runner's voice to give me a virtual pat on the back for a job well done.

But it's been quite some time since the line graph has made much upward movement on that app and I'm more than happy about it. It made me think that I need to carry that feeling over to real life.

Sure, I always want to strive to be a better person than I was the day before.  That will never change.  But do I need to try and get there so quickly?  Nope.  

Slowing down to enjoy the process is something I'm going to strive for this year.  Less "convenience", more time. No more doing something a certain way because it's easier.  Because it's NOT easier.  Buying premade items instead of making them myself isn't fulfilling.  It doesn't teach my children anything.  It doesn't teach me anything.  Cramming a million activities into a day doesn't give me more time tomorrow, it just leaves tomorrow open to cram more activities into.  

I can't help but think about our bodies and how I don't think we're supposed to go this fast all the time.  I know we can sprint and I know we can run marathons.  That sprint is supposed to be a short burst.  For hunting.  For running away from a predator.  We shouldn't be sprinting all the time.  

 So if you see me running so slow out there that it looks like I'm basically standing still, don't worry.  I'm ok.  I'm just striving to be a better person.

Monster Jam 2015: Who's going to be there?!

photo courtesy of Feld Motor Sports

Disclosure: I was given passes to see Monster Jam in exchange for this post.  All opinions are my own.

You guys know I love Monster Jam.  I don't know what it is about it.  Maybe it's the roar of the engines or the excitement on my kids faces, but whatever it is it makes me happy.  I am so happy to be able to take my family once again on June 13th at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ for the Monster Jam: Path of Destruction show including all our favorite trucks and drivers plus some new ones we hadn't seen before.  

Competing Monster Jam trucks include El Toro Loco^®, Metal Mulisha, Zombie℠, Mohawk Warrior^®, Monster Mutt℠ Dalmatian, Team Hot Wheels^® Firestorm^®, Madusa^®, Lucas Oil Crusader^®, Monster Energy, Scooby Doo™, Captain’s Curse^®, Doomsday, Son-Uva Digger^®, Grave Digger The Legend^®, Max-D^® and Grave Digger^®, along with those making their MetLife Stadium debut – Stone Crusher, Xtermigator, Ice Cream Man^® and brand new Soldier Fortune. 

Pic from 2012 Monster Jam: Path of Destruction

Since my son has been sporting a Mohawk for like, ever, we'll be rooting for Mohawk Warrior in his quest to get to Vegas for the finals.  But of course, we wish ALL the drivers the best of luck!

Last time we went to the show, we were amazed at the amount of dirt they were able to haul into the stadium.  This time, (per the press release) MetLife Stadium will be filled with over 4000 tons of dirt along with 50 crush cars, vans and buses to create the colossal Monster Jam racing track and obstacle course.  

So will you be going?  If you're worried about cost, I'm happy to tell you that Monster Jam events are affordably priced for the whole family with seats starting at $10 for kids and $25 for adults.  So a family of 4 can have an awesome time for under $100.

Tickets are available at the MetLife Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster retail outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone 1-800-745-3000.

Hope to see you there!

Oh!  I almost forgot!  Monster Jam is trying something new this time... if you sign in as a Fan Ambassador through Social Toaster, you can have a chance at winning some great Monster Jam prizes like:

• Four pack of tickets to Monster Jam Path of Destruction at MetLife Stadium (includes Pit Passes)
• One (1) Radio controlled car
• One (1) Signed Tom Meents jersey
• One (1) Monster Jam Battleground video game
• One (1) Monster Jam program book  

You can sign up using my link right here!  http://sot.ag/3Qj9m  Share it with your friends to up your chances!

For more information on Monster Jam, log on to www.MonsterJam.com. 

 

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Monster Jam is Back- Met Life Stadium June 13 - The Spring Mount 6 Pack

Monster Jam is coming to NJ & NY! Win tickets here!

I know that you love Monster Jam.  And I know you know I love Monster Jam, too!  But do you know that I know that you know how MUCH we both love Monster Jam?  Well, I know, ya know?  Over the past few years, I've had the opportunity to interview a few drivers and get up close and personal with the HUGE Monster Jam trucks on several occasions.  

Zombie are EVERYWHERE! - Interview with Zombie driver Sean Duhon

Does the inside of a monster truck smell funny? - Interview with Shockwave driver Bill Braukman

And of course there have been numerous giveaways including my first ever giveaway here on Whatever Works! 

So...

I'll cut right to the chase.

I've got tickets for this season's shows right here for ya!

But first, some info:

Monster Jam will be performing at both the IZOD Center and Nassau Coliseum.  Show times are as follows:

IZOD Center: 

• Friday, January 30, 2015 at 7:30 PM (Pit Party from 5:30 – 6:30 PM)
• Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 2:00 PM (Pit Party from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM) and another performance at 7:30 PM

Nassau Coliseum:     

• Friday, February 6, 2015 at 7:30 PM (Pit Party from 5:30 – 6:30 PM)   
• Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 2:00 PM (Pit Party from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM) and another performance at 7:30 PM
• Sunday, February 8, 2015 at 2:00 PM 

The events will feature some of the most popular Monster Jam trucks in the circuit, including Grave Digger^®, El Toro Loco^® and Mohawk Warrior℠, along with the newly created Dragon and Be Aware.

 Standing at 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, Monster Jam trucks are custom-designed machines that sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, Monster Jam trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster Jam trucks can fly up to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air.

 To win a family 4-pack of tickets to see your choice of Friday night show, I've got a trivia question for you to answer:

Which of the following will NOT get a driver points during a Monster Jam Freestyle run? 

1. Hitting Obstacles
2. Wheelies
3. Donuts
4. Rollovers

Answer correctly in the comments section below (including your email address) and you will be entered to win a family 4-pack of tickets to your choice of Friday night show at either the IZOD Center or Nassau Coliseum! 

But don't worry if you don't win!  Tickets are affordably priced for the whole family with $10 seats for kids. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the IZOD Center Box Office, Nassau Coliseum Box Office, by visiting www.Ticketmaster.com or calling 1-800-745-3000.

Hope to see you there!

Visit Monster Jam at their website MonsterJam.com, their Facebook page or on Twitter!

 

**Correction- Giveaway ends 1/20/15 at 12:00PM EST. (Post originally stated giveaway would end on 1/27... typographical error.  Sorry!) ** Winner will be emailed at the address given and will have 24 hours to respond.  If there is no response, a replacement winner will be chosen.  Tickets are for show only, not Pit Party.  Tickets will be available at Will Call on the day of the show.  Prize is not guaranteed and will be given by a third party.  Winner will need to have identification to retrieve tickets from Will Call.

***Second correction made on 1/21/15 to clarify that the winner has the choice of either FRIDAY night show (IZOD or Nassau Coliseum) only.***

All photos in this post are courtesy of Feld Motor Sports.

Who are the Nuclear Cowboyz? Win some tickets and find out!

 

photo courtesy of Feld Motor Sports

Have you ever watched freestyle motocross on the X Games?  To me, the X Games are like watching all the stuff your mom always told you not to do because it is so super dangerous.  It feels almost sneaky and taboo to flip on the TV and see these guys flying through the air on dirtbikes.  It makes you turn your head for a second to see if Mom is going to yell at you.

Well, the Nuclear Cowboyz are like the X Games times a million.  Not only are the same guys who you know and love from the X Games right there in front of you- flipping around and doing stunts you never thought possible- they are performing a very well-choreographed show with an actual storyline, costumes and pyrotechnics.

It... Is... Amazing!

photo courtesy of Feld Motor Sports

My family and I went to see the show last year.  We have honestly been waiting on the edges of our seats for the Cowboyz to come around again because the show was THAT good.

Here's an excerpt from this year's press release: 

Nuclear Cowboyz^®, the only high octane-fueled freestyle motocross touring production in North America, is coming to IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J. on March 16-17. The action-packed narrative is the legend of two powerful freestyle motocross tribes whose survival in their futuristic world is told through an amassed compilation of fearless freestyle aerial feats, gravity-defying stunts, and electrifying pyrotechnic and laser displays synchronized to an energizing soundtrack. 

Sound like fun?  Well, here is a little more to sweeten the pot for you:

Nuclear Cowboyz 2013 has the greatest cast of freestyle motocross, trials and quad riders ever assembled, including recent X Games 2012 medalists Ronnie Faisst, Mike Mason, Taka Higashino and Winter X Games gold and silver medalist Colten Moore. The tour also includes former gold medalists Adam Jones and Matt Buyten as well as award-winning freestylers Derek Garland, Brody Wilson, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, Wes Agee, Nick Dunne, Geoff Aaron, Keith Wineland and Marco Picado in this action-packed freestyle performance of pure danger and raw combat.   

 I was given TWO (yes, two) family 4-packs of tickets to give away for this year's show and I want YOU to have them!  

All I need you to do is enter to win.  I will be choosing two winners at the end of the giveaway and will contact you to let you know you've won.  I've set up this nifty Rafflecopter form for you to use.  You can enter as many ways as you'd like, but you MUST complete the task in order for your entry to count.  For example: if you enter by choosing to leave a blog post comment, you have to actually leave a comment on this post.  

 Easy enough, right?  OK!  Go ahead and enter.  I hope you win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hey, even if you don't win you can still get tickets for your family through Ticketmaster.  If you are feeling really saucy, go for the VIP Fallout Zone passes (Saturday only) which will get you in the same room as the riders before the show for autographs and photo ops.  It's a great time for everyone!

Disclosure: I was given tickets to see the Nuclear Cowboyz.  All opinions are my own.  They really, really DO rock.  

The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Prudential Center - Want to win some tickets?

I am SO excited.  The other day, I read that the Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Prudential Center in February with their "You Write the Rules" world tour.  Coincidentally, I read it on the same day that Whatever Work's Facebook page reached 300 Likes.  

I love writing my own rules, I love the Harlem Globetrotters and most importantly I love YOU!  

...So guess what?

It's giveaway time! 

I am proud to announce that Prudential Center in Newark, NJ has offered me an awesome giveaway prize of 4 tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters in action on February 16th.  

This year, the Globetrotters are trying something a little different:

The Globetrotters’ 2013 “You Write the Rules” World Tour will allow New York area fans to choose the rules of each game. New rules include playing with two basketballs at once, getting double the points for each basket, and more. Fans can vote for their favorite rule at www.harlemglobetrotters.com/rule.

I am a HUGE fan of the Globetrotters.  I remember watching the commercials as a kid...trying to emulate their moves out in my driveway next to my wooden basketball hoop...whistling Sweet Georgia Brown for the rest of the day.

I even learned to play it on the clarinet.

I always felt super cool whenever I got the basketball to spin for more than one rotation on my finger tip or I could dribble two balls for more than 3 seconds.  I thought for SURE a Globetrotter scout would be driving by, slam on the brakes and immediately knock on our front door to talk with my parents about jersey size and the need for a tutor while we're on the road.

Of  course, that never happened.  But a girl can dream, right?  

Here is a little more about the show:

FIRST FEMALE HARLEM GLOBETROTTER IN 20 YEARS LEADS
WORLD FAMOUS TEAM INTO PRUDENTIAL CENTER

Globetrotters bring six games to NYC-area from February 15-18

TNT Maddox will inspire all girls in the NYC-area when she leads the world famous Harlem Globetrotters into Manhattan, North Jersey, and Long Island for six games from Feb. 15-18, including her Prudential Center debut on Saturday, February 16 at 1 p.m. 

As a former standout at Temple University, TNT joined the Globetrotters in the fall of 2011 as the ninth woman to play for the team in 87 years. She is the first female Globetrotter since 1993. The first woman to ever play for a men’s professional basketball team was a Globetrotter – Hall of Famer Lynette Woodard – who signed in 1985.

Sponsored by Howard Johnson Hotels, Wonderful Pistachios, Greyhound Lines, Spalding, and Russell Athletic, the Original Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating their 87th consecutive year, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 121 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans—among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents—over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters’ official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

I am so excited about this giveaway.  To enter, all you have to do is follow the prompts within the following Rafflecopter form.  You can choose as many entries as you like, but you MUST complete the task required in the form.  Example: if you choose the "Leave a blog post comment" option, you MUST leave a blog post comment in order for that entry to be included.  I hope you win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

About Prudential Center:

Prudential Center is home to the three-time Stanley Cup Champion and 2011-2012 Eastern Conference Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball, the WNBA’s New York Liberty, over 200 events a year including major concerts, the 2011 NCAA East Regional, the 2011 & 2012 NBA Draft and the 2013 NHL Draft. Opened in October 2007, the arena now welcomes over 2 million guests through its doors annually, ranking tenth overall in 2011, according to leading industry publication Venues Today. The Rock provides the ultimate live sports and entertainment experience for fans, featuring unique dining options and superior customer service in seven premium lounges. The Acela Club showcases a custom-made mahogany wine cabinet and unique seating overlooking the ice and court. Ice Lounge is furnished with an ice bar and features center bowl views. The exciting sports bar atmosphere is the centerpiece of Bud Light Goal Bar, also with center bowl views.

What’s more, the fan experience begins outside Prudential Center in Championship Plaza, a brick paved fan message-driven courtyard that features a 22-foot tall, three-ton metal “Ironman” hockey player statue. The Plaza plays host to live entertainment with a block party atmosphere during FanFest celebrations before events. AmeriHealth Pavilion is Prudential Center Center’s second ice rink and is the official practice facility of the New Jersey Devils and home to Brick City Boxing, youth, high school and adult hockey programming and Hockey In Newark.

A pro sports first, the Devils created Mission Control which features a Digital Command Center located inside the Prudential Center designed to more effectively manage, monitor, and measure the franchise’s online brand engagements. Mission Control is fueled in part by the Devils Generals, a team of two-dozen socially-savvy fans who utilize Twitter, Facebook and other online channels hosted by the team/arena to extend the organization’s reach.

Prudential Center is located in downtown Newark just two blocks from Newark Penn Station, accessible via NJ Transit, PATH and Amtrak, while at the heart of cross-roads for five major highway access routes and 12 miles from midtown Manhattan. Prudential Center’s charitable arm, Devils Care, in partnership with the New Jersey Devils, was awarded the 2011 EPA’s Environmental Quality Award for its Rock and Wrap It Up! Program.

*This post is sponsored by Prudential Center.  All opinions are my own.   

Who wants some Monster Jam tickets? Enter here! ~Ticket Giveaway~

!!DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MIDNIGHT 12/27!!We LOVE Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam.  Bottom line.  Our family is obsessed with it.  We went last year and got to meet Dennis Anderson and sit in Grave Digger.  Yep, we did.  We wrote our names on a crushable car and watched it get demolished under the huge tires of about 3 different monster trucks.  We caught a shirt from the guys that were shooting them up into the crowd- well, the guy behind us did, but he kindly gave us the shirt.  We wore those awesome truck tire earmuffs to block the sound.  We got souvenirs out the yin yang.  We had a GREAT time.  

Guess what?  Monster Jam is coming back to town in January.  Oh, we're SO there.  

And guess what else?  ...We want you to go, too.

Here's your chance to win 4 tickets to experience Monster Jam for yourself!  If you win, you can have your pick of seeing it at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island on Friday, January 25th or at the IZOD Center in New Jersey on Friday, February 1st.

All you have to do is follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter form below.  It's pretty easy.  The only mandatory entry on the Rafflecopter form requires you to leave a blog post comment. But you can get bonus entries by completing the other tasks.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway will run until Christmas Eve, so hopefully you will have a nice present for yourself and three guests come Christmas morning.

It will be a really fun show. Here is an excerpt from their recent press release:

"This four-wheeled extravaganza featuring heart-pounding racing and unbelievable freestyle driving will feature some of the most popular monster trucks at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale from January 25-27 and at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford from February 1-2. 

Fan favorites include the legendary Grave Digger, who’s been thrilling audiences for more than 30 years, El Toro Loco, a raging bull and one of the most recognizable trucks in Monster Jam, and more. "

Hey, even if you don't win, tickets are VERY affordable.  $15 for kids and $30 for adults.  How about a last minute Christmas gift for those monster truck lovin' people on your shopping list?

Check out monsterjam.com for more details.  And GOOD LUCK!  I hope you win.

Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions @ Prudential Center- Ticket Giveaway!

I admit it.  I have only recently become a huge sports fan.  I never really understood the excitement until about 3-4  years ago ...right around the time my daughter started playing sports.  I swear, having children has opened my eyes to SO many new experiences.  I mean, I played sports my whole life, but never really felt it.  I went through the motions and got through each sport by the skin of my teeth. 

Until seeing my daughter play her heart out on the soccer field, I didn't get it.  Now I know the feeling of determination.  I know why she sometimes cries after games - even if they win.  It's a very emotional thing and I cry right along side her.  She feels it, so I do too.

I felt that way watching the Olympics this summer.  In particular, while watching the U.S. gymnasitcs team.  Not only did they prove they can handle themselves on the mat, they proved they can handle themselves off, too.  There were so many times I was on the edge of my seat waiting to hear the outcome of a challenged call or wiping tears from my eyes when someone fell off the beam.  It was truly a remarkable site to behold on the television screen every night.  I often wondered how it would feel to see these athletes in person... doing their thing right in front of me. 

Well, here is some good news for all of you that have wondered the same thing.  The US gymnastics team is coming to Prudential Center in Newark, NJ with the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions on Saturday, November 10th.

"As our 2012 Olympians head to London to represent their country, we are proud to announce they will be an important part of our cast for the 2012 Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions, which serves as the perfect stage for Americans to celebrate and welcome our Olympians home," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics.

 

Below is the complete list of athletes scheduled to perform during the Kellogg’s Tour of Champions. Due to athletes’ schedules and personal commitments, the cast will vary from stop to stop.

 •     Rebecca Bross –2010 World Championships Team silver medalist; six-time World medalist

•     Gabby Douglas –2012 U.S. Olympic Trials champion and 2011 World Championships Team gold medalist

•     Brenna Dowell –2010 Pan Am Championships team gold medalist

•     Sarah Finnegan –2012 U.S. Olympic Team replacement athlete; 2010 Pan Am Championships team gold medalist

•     Anna Li –2012 U.S. Olympic Team replacement athlete; 2012 U.S. uneven bars bronze medalist

•     Nastia Liukin –2008 Olympic all-around champion; five-time Olympic medalist

•     McKayla Maroney –2012 U.S. Olympic Team member; 2011 World vault and team gold medalist

•     Chellsie Memmel –2008 Olympic Team silver medalist; World gold medalist in all-around, team (twice), uneven bars 

•     Elizabeth Price –2012 U.S. Olympic Team replacement athlete; 2011 City of Jesolo Trophy team gold medalist

•     Aly Raisman –2012 U.S. Olympic Team member; 2011 World floor floor bronze medalist and team gold medalist

•     Kyla Ross –2012 U.S. Olympic Team member; 2012 Kellogg’s Pacific Rim team gold medalist

•     Alicia Sacramone –2011 World team gold medalist; 2008 Olympic team silver medalist; 10 career World medals

•     Sabrina Vega –2011 World Championships team gold medalist

•     Jordyn Wieber –2012 U.S. Olympic team member; 2011 World all-around and team gold medalist, balance beam bronze medalist

 •     Chris Brooks –2012 U.S. Olympic Team replacement athlete; 2012 Kellogg’s Pacific Rim Championships all-around and team gold medalist

•     Alex Buscaglia –2010 Pan Am Championships Team gold medalist

•     Jake Dalton –2012 U.S. Olympic Team member; 2011 World Championships team bronze medalist

•     Jonathan Horton –2012 U.S. Olympic Team member; 2010 World all-around bronze medalist; 2008 Olympic team bronze medalist and horizontal bar silver medalist

•     Glen Ishino -2010 Pan Am Games team gold medalist

•     Steven Legendre –2012 U.S. Olympic Team replacement athlete; 2011 World Championships team bronze

•     Alex Naddour –2012 U.S. Olympic Team replacement athlete; 2011 World Championships Team bronze medalist

•     John Orozco –2012 U.S. Olympic Team member; 2012 U.S. all-around champion; 2011 World Championships team bronze

•     Paul Ruggeri -2011 Pan Am Games team bronze medalist and high bar champion

•     Brandon Wynn -2011 Pan Am Games team bronze medalist and still rings gold medalist

1996 Olympian John Macready and 2004 Olympian Mary Sanders will also be part of the Tour. The cast of gymnastics champions will be joined by local gymnasts at each tour stop. Acrobatic, rhythmic and trampoline athletes participating in the 2012 Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions will be announced at a later date.

WOW, that's a long list!

And here's some even BETTER news - we want you to go so badly, we're giving away a four pack of tickets* to go see them!

There are a few ways you can enter.  Choose one, or choose them all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 "USA Gymnastics has produced countless memorable moments throughout the history of the Olympic Games and Kellogg's is excited to help bring the incredible athletes who create these moments to fans, even after the Games have ended, as part of our official partnership," said Kellogg U.S. Morning Foods President David Denholm.

*Tickets are being provided by Prudential Center.  Winners wil be chosen by random.org.

Street League Skateboarding Championship- This Sunday Aug 26th!

My daughter has seriously been bitten by the skateboarding bug.  For her birthday last year we got her a Dyrdek board with little doves all over it.  She started by sitting down and traveling down the driveway.  Then she saw her friend skating for real and could NOT let him show her up.  Since that day, she's been a fiend. 

I recently had the fortunate experience of catching up with YuLin Olliver at Street League Skateboarding.  This was extremely cool to my daughter, because the founder of Street League is none other than Rob Dyrdek - the one and only skater who (Gasp!) designed my daughter's board. 

We talked about this year's Street League Skateboarding Championships that are taking place on Sunday at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.  She filled me in on the incedible event that's going to take place.  I wanted to write about it here, because I reeeally wish I could go.  I was hoping some of you readers would check it out and report back about how AWESOME it was!

 

Here are the details taken directly from Street League:

• Street League Skateboarding (SLS) is the premier professional skateboarding contest series worldwide. Founded by 20-year professional skateboarder and entrepreneur, Rob Dyrdek, Street League features 24 of the world’s top street skateboarders competing exclusively for a groundbreaking $1.6 million prize purse in a nationwide tour. The series will be available live on ESPN2, ESPN3, Street League’s official website, and distributed to over 198 countries via the ESPN family of channels. Driven by the need to enhance the experience of live professional street skateboarding, Street League utilizes the ISX™ instant-scoring format that makes every single trick count.
• Top 24 street skaters in the world, only 8 remain for the Championship August 26th
• $1.6mm purse, largest in history
• Street League’s $1.6 million purse is the largest in skateboarding history and almost double the combined winnings for all other skate contests. The SLS tour culminates in a winner-takes-all Championship in Newark, NJ at the Prudential Center on August 26. The SLS Championship will feature the Golden Ticket winners of the first three stops of the 2012 tour along with the remaining top six qualifiers who will compete for $200,000 as well as the title of Street League Champion. The Championship will air LIVE on ESPN2 on August 26 at 5pm ET. Check www.streetleague.com for complete webcast schedule.

 

And here's the competition:

1. Paul Rodriguez – This young dad is on a contest hot streak including his first Street League win last month in Arizona and is a fan favorite to contend with Nyjah Huston.

2. Nyjah Huston – has won more in contest prize money than any other pro skater in history. He has won more Street League contests by far than any other skater. To date there have only been 4 pros to ever win a Street League and of the 10 contests, Nyjah has won 7 of them. At age 17, his talent is almost unbelievable.

3. Bastien Salabanzi – the only one of the 6 new pros to join Street League to make it to finals. Coming from France, with a close 2nd place finish at Stop 1, Bastien wants a win as much as anyone.

4. Chaz Ortiz - Coming fresh off the release of his amazing solo video part for Zoo York, and with a brand new private skatepark in his hometown of Chicago, Chaz is as on point on the board as he's ever been. Always nipping at the heels of the top spot. New Jersey could definitely be the time where he walks away with a win.

5. Chris Cole – Always giving the winners a run for their money with a mix of technical innovation, big tricks and some outside the box approach, this could be the time for Chris to get his first Street League win.

6. Ryan Sheckler – Always a crowd pleaser, Ryan goes big and is one of the most exciting skaters to watch. He had to place 3rd or higher in the last stop to make it into the Newark Championship and he did it. He always skates hard to the very end.

7. Luan Oliveira – This is Luan's first appearance in a Street League Championship event . He is fast and technical. Coming from Brazil, is one of the most technically skilled and consistent skaters in the Street League.

8. Sean Malto – Coming from Kansas City MO, Sean is the defending 2011 Street League Champion so you know he wants to take home another Championship win for the Red & Yellow.

 

So who do you think will win???  I'm making my pick right now - PAUL RODRIGUEZ will take it all.  Although I will  be rooting for everyone. 

Get your tickets right now at www.streetleague.com/tickets.

Also, check out Street League's Facebook page and follow them on Twitter @STREETLEAGUE

 

 

 

My first big giveaway! A family 4 pack of tickets to see Monster Jam!

I can't believe it. I feel very honored and proud to announce my first ever prize giveaway on my little ol' blog here. I'm giving away a family 4 pack of tickets to see Advance Auto Parts' Monster Jam Path of Destruction Tour in East Rutherford, NJ on Saturday,June 16th. If you don't know what Monster Jam is, check out their site.  It's the biggest monster truck show around featuring all the monster trucks you've ever heard of: Grave Digger, Maximum Destruction, Monster Mutt, and El Toro Loco to name a few.  I am admittedly a novice but I'm really looking forward to learning more by seeing it all live.

If you follow my blog, you know that I like to do things a little outside of the box. Well, that's why I'm doing this giveaway now: to keep you on your toes always guessing what's next.

It's been almost a year since I started writing publicly, and without getting all gushy... Oh forget it, I'm going to get all gushy. It's a very overwhelming feeling to be recognized for something you enjoy doing. I never thought in a million years I'd be writing things and hitting a Publish button for the world to read.  It feels good to know people read what I write. 

I appreciate all of you readers very much. That's why I want one of you to take your family to see the awesome Monster Jam show on the 16th. Maybe Dad would enjoy going as an early Father's Day gift!

My family & I are going to see it in Philly this weekend.  I'm so psyched and so's my family.  I can only bet that the show is going to rock, but I know the June 16th show is going to be amazing.  Driver Tom Meents is going to attempt to complete a double back flip...in a monster truck...in front of you.  WOW.  I didn't know trucks could flip even once, let alone twice.

In addition to this ticket giveaway, I want to tell you about another cool thing about Monster Jam.  Advance Auto Parts is also running a contest to be a guest correspondent at the show. If you sign up for that, you could win interviews with drivers and crew members alongside Speed Network’s Scott Douglass and document the behind-the-scenes craziness that goes along with the show. My son and I entered. Here's the video:

  

Our video's not all that good but hey, why not, right? If you go for it, you'll get 10 extra entries in the giveaway contest! Why not try it yourself?

OK, so here's what you have to do:  Follow the instructions below on this cool Rafflecopter raffle widget and you'll get as many entries as you choose to put in.  The contest ends June 14th at midnight and the winner will be announced the next day.  The winner's tickets will be available for pick up at the show's Will Call window.

*Please note: I am not requiring any of you to "Like" any Facebook pages, but if you at least check them out and CHOOSE to like them on your own, that would be much appreciated.

Also, since this is my first giveaway, I'd love feedback on what you think about it.  Did I do OK?  What could I improve?  Thanks for all your help.  I hope you win!!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway