Courtesy of PureSport
Protein is key to strong muscles and great workouts, and it is an essential element of Olympian-endorsed PureSport performance drinks. The most unique aspect of PureSport is that it has special formulas for both workouts and recovery based on in-depth research on acute and chronic effects of exercise on muscle metabolism by Dr. John Ivy, Chairman of Health and Kinesiology at the University of Texas.
The Workout mix is based on the increase in carbohydrates the body burns during intense exercise. A combination of dextrose and fructose allows faster absorption of essential sugars. Also essential to high performance is the regulation of blood plasma during workouts; as the body sweats, plasma levels decrease, depleting the body of energy. PureSport Workout contains enough protein to maintain plasma levels, resulting in better performance overall.
PureSport’s Recovery mix uses protein to increase the body’s blood insulin response and carbohydrates to aid in glucose absorption, resulting in reduced muscle damage, increased muscle tissue repair and increased ability to adapt to new training regimens. Some studies have shown that adding proteins to performance drinks can even decrease an athlete’s risk of getting upper respiratory infections and increase subsequent exercise performance.
If the science alone isn’t convincing, consider the track records of the athletes who stand by the PureSport brand: 14-time gold medalist Michael Phelps, major league soccer player Kenny Cooper, NASCAR driver David Stremme, and Justin Blalock, NFL Guard, among many others, endorse the product.
"A Tight Point" by Luke Frazier
The largest wildlife art and nature event in the nation, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) will be held February 12-14 in Charleston, SC. SEWE ’10 will highlight 120 fine artists, retriever demos, shows with Jack Hanna, cooking demos by some of the Lowcountry’s finest chefs, Dock Dogs competitions, sporting outfitters & guides, conservation exhibits, free flight falconry, children’s activities, and much more.
Day tickets are $10-20 and 3-Day passes are $40. Children 10 and under are free. VIP packages and special event tickets are also available. (843) 723-1748 / SEWE.com
Chocri
If every man thinks February 14 brings with it the obligatory chocolate purchase, you probably need something a little more creative for your date. Chocri is a stand out option that allows you to custom-make your own candy bars. Start with milk, white or dark chocolate and then choose from one thousand additions, from banana chips and mango cubes to gummy bears, chocolate covered krispies, marshmallows, caramel and any nut you’ve ever heard of (and a few you may not know). Finish the bar with a dusting of gold flecks, a little coriander, cayenne pepper or cinnamon or a dose of organic flax seeds for good measure, and you’ll have one unique candy bar. To add to this creativity, you get to name your concoction, a personalization that will find its way to the bar’s paper wrapper.
If you don’t trust your instincts but like the idea of custom chocolate, Chocri offers guidelines and suggested combos, and a few of their own popular creations.
Top: Time e-reader, photo credit: Sports Illustrated. Middle: Skiff e-reader. Bottom: iPad, image courtesy of Apple
With the rise of the public’s expectation of free internet content, the world of newspapers, magazines and books has struggled to make pace – and break even – with technology. However, innovation is happening and ushering in some of the most dynamic tech products since the unveiling of the iPod: new and improved e-readers, interactive devices appealing to a new generation of readers. Three in particular have caught our eye.
Time Inc.’s magazine tablet, unlike Amazon’s Kindle, is demonstrated as bright and filled with cool virtual technology. Unlike the static content of paper mags, the gadget allows publishers to pack in behind-the-scenes images and video, while also giving the reader the freedom to rearrange and dig deeper into content to their liking. Advertisements, no longer locked in a freeze-frame, can also come to life: a Weber ad, for example, features not only the page print, but video clips to accompany it. The Wonderfactory, has helped create a unbelievable video demo of the Time offering, which can be seen here.
Another soon to be released e-reader, the Skiff, is about the size of a magazine and will properly host magazines and newspapers, though only in black and white at this point. It is however remarkably thin, completely shatter resistant, and flexible. Its resolution surpasses other e-readers, and pages turn instantly at the swipe of a finger. Content can be loaded quickly via the Sprint 3G network, WiFi or mini-port, and there are 4 gigs of memory built into the device. Its battery power will last for about a week’s worth of reading. The Skiff also offers a cool search feature, allowing readers to scan for specific terms throughout the gadget’s contents or in one specific article.
Finally, the Apple iPad was announced just yesterday and will begin shipping in March. With a 9.7 (diagonal) inch screen, specially-made Apple processor and the remarkable touch screen interface found on the iPhone, this e-reader will be hard to beat. Apple announced a third store as well (iTunes and the App store being 1 & 2) – the iBookstore. For more photos and specs, go here. Starting price $499.
Peter Drucker Book
Many in the business world recognize Peter Drucker as the father of modern corporate management, but Drucker was also a source of wisdom on personal management. Many of his writings on the subject were scattered throughout his books and articles, but Bruce Rosenstein, who studied and interviewed Drucker, has compiled his ideas into a book that challenges us to consider life holistically.
Drucker believed that a fulfilling life was achieved by “living in more than one world” and having a diverse set of interests, activities, and pursuits. He believed this eclectic exposure helps us gain new insights, see the world from fresh perspectives and become inspired by new sources. Rosenstien uses Drucker as both a source and an example, navigating readers through his thoughts on honing your core competencies, developing your main talents, clarifying your values, and managing your time. The short and practical book is a unique presentation of Drucker and his thinking on how to lead a more meaningful life. Amazon, $13.67
Image credit:©iStockphoto.com/Raycat
By now you’ve had a few weeks to test out your New Year’s resolutions. How’s it going? If you’ve already given up, consider looking at your year and goals from a larger perspective. We interviewed Blake Howard, Creative Director at Matchstic, an Atlanta-based brand identity firm, about a personal application to branding.
We’re all familiar with “brands” in the corporate context but what is a personal brand?
We live in a branded world full of swooshes, apples, and alligators and while many of us think of brands associated with large corporations, like Nike, Apple, and Starbucks, whether we recognize it or not, we all have a “personal brand.” A brand is simply the perception or gut feeling someone has about a product, service, company or person. People, at this very moment, have a perception of you. Right or wrong, good or bad, it’s there. The words you use, how you spend money, your eye contact during a conversation, how you handle conflict, the friends you choose, the art on your wall, what you post on Twitter or Facebook, the combinations of all these elements make the unique brand of you.
So is our personal brand simply who we are and what defines us?
Once you’re conscious that you have a brand in the minds of others, you can then take steps to align that perception with who you truly are and with your beliefs. Notice that we’re not talking about creating a false self or a façade in order to please others, rather, it’s about embracing your true self and living your life consistently. Clearly knowing what you stand for and matching that with how you live makes you truly unique – that is branding.
How do we work on that consistency in our lives?
We have a saying around our office: “You are what you Tweet.” The idea here is that all of us are constantly sending messages (even if we don’t literally use Twitter) that create a perception about us. So we should be thoughtful about what we’re broadcasting and what this says about us. Let’s say you use Twitter as your official complaint box, over time you’ll probably be known as a negative person. Many of us don’t realize the power of the messages we send to our family, friends and acquaintances. Each word is a part of forming our personal brand so following this “Tweet” rule, you begin to realize that the basis of building a brand is consistency.
How do we make this about substance and not a superficial façade of ourselves?
A brand must be about authenticity. People will eventually know if we are trying to present ourselves as something we really aren’t. I had to realize that my personal brand is about being who I was created to be, embracing it, and learning how to grow in that direction. It’s about me being authentic to who I am (and who I’m not), aligning my actions with my values and then living consistently each day. This kind of focus is how we simplify our lives and create the personal brand we want.
Top: Martha Washington Inn, Middle: Town House, Bottom: Barter Theater
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day or for a memorable weekend trip with good friends, consider driving to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to Abingdon, Virginia. Located just five hours from Atlanta, Abingdon is a quaint old town known for its history, theater, outdoor activities, beautiful countryside and its vacation-friendly pace.
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Lodging
The Martha Washington Hotel & Spa, a women’s college-turned-Civil War hospital-turned-inn, is Abingdon’s crown jewel, featuring in-room fireplaces, plush bedding and oriental rugs on hardwoods. Its 51 rooms vary in size and amenities, but each come with a high standard of service and a luxurious aim. The hotel’s recently built spa offers a full menu of services for both men and women, including the “Dapper Chap” facial, designed to counteract skin irritants from shaving and athletic activities.
If you’re looking for a more intimate lodging experience, several bed & breakfasts have also made names for themselves in Abingdon. The White Birches Inn has ranked #1 in Inn Traveler Magazine’s “Most Affordable Luxury” category two years in a row, and the Inn on Town Creek’s gardens alone make a great place for a reflective stroll. The breakfasts at these B&Bs are also of special note, as are the food and the more affordable rooms at The Victoria & Albert Inn.
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Dining
The New York Times put this area of Virginia on the map last fall when it featured a little upstart of a restaurant in Chilhowie, Virginia, about twenty minutes from Abingdon. Worth the short interstate drive, the Town House has made a name for itself in impressive culinary circles, silencing the myth that small town Southern food is simplistic, overly-greasy and unsophisticated, and surprising locals with new flavors and artful presentation. The Grill’s refurbished dining room is a work of art and well worth a visit for lunch or dinner.
If you’re hoping to catch a show at the theater in Abingdon, or would prefer to walk to dinner, we recommend The Tavern. In a building whose cornerstone was laid in 1779, The Tavern’s sloped floors, low ceilings, great food and extensive wine list make for a memorable experience, and the restaurant’s lively German owner, Max, is likely to stop by your table to make sure everything is to your liking.
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Entertainment
The Barter Theater, the “State Theater of Virginia” and one of the longest-running theaters in the U.S., has helped many young actors get their starts, including Gregory Peck, Ernest Borgnine, and Kevin Spacey. Opened in 1933 at the height of the Great Depression, the Barter was so named because patrons often traded meats, fruits and vegetables for the actors’ performances; the original ticket price was 40 cents, or the equivalent in goods. Today, the theater produces a number of musicals, dramas and comedies with top-notch actors in the lead.
Finally, if the weather is warm enough when you visit, don’t miss a walk or a bike ride along the Virginia Creeper Trail, once a train route. The bucolic setting and fresh air translates to real freedom from whatever is on your mind. Mt. Rogers, Virginia’s highest mountain, is also nearby, as is scenic White Top. For more leisurely outdoors activities, consider a historic walking tour of Abingdon or a horse-drawn carriage ride, beginning at the Martha Washington.
Image credit:©iStockphoto.com/webphotographeer
If you’ve resolved to live a healthier lifestyle but easily fall back into old habits and excuses, consider joining SparkPeople, a free Web service whose aim is to keep users on point, offering nutritional tracking, workout advice, meal plans, and an interactive online community that you can take or leave.
SparkPeople offers structure and sanity to exercise that is too often and too easily derailed – by way of SparkTeams, groups based on common goals and interests, success stories, motivation pages and, for those who want a competitive edge, a points program. We like SparkPeople because it lacks the hokeyness of other health/fitness sites, because it’s designed for men and women, and because it focuses on holistic techniques for healthy living: not only diet changes, but also fitness regimes and overall life goals.
