Good Story About Sportsmanship

As you probably know, the 2013 Stanley Cup professional hockey playoffs are underway with the Chicago Blackhawks playing the Boston Bruins for the championship. Here's a fun article about how the Bruins' team captain, Zdeno Chara, and the Blackhawks' forward, Marian Hossa, are putting their friendship on hold during the Stanley Cup championship series. Chara and Hossa play for USA teams but they live on the same street in the city of Trencin, Slovakia.

Good luck to both teams in the finals. We're going to see some great hockey!

Lawyer-boxer-writer

I am happy to announce that I am now writing for American Law Reports. It is a real honor to be writing for A.L.R., a peer-reviewed publication, and I am grateful for that. Two of my articles have already been accepted for publication and I am working on three more articles. I will post the titles and citations of the articles when they are published. Thanks to Thomson Reuters/West Publishing for this great opportunity!

Back to Training

After a long hiatus (due to many things demanding my time on a fairly unforgiving schedule), I have gotten back to my training more regularly. I have resumed going to my gym and have resumed roadwork. I need to do more mental training; I didn't do as much of that as I had hoped during my break from physical training. I will get there.

Added: I forgot to mention, I have been in contact with Glen, my coach, and am hoping to resume work with him soon.

Winter Solstice 2012

Yeah, it's been quiet around here--you needn't tell me that. There hasn't been a lot to report on the boxing front; I suppose it's time to start focusing on blawging--law-related blogging. I can do that.

In any event, today is the winter solstice. That's great news, as far as yours truly is concerned. The days will now start getting longer in the northern hemisphere. Awesome!

“Mike Swick Talks About 909 Days of Depression Before Octagon Return”

Think MMA fighters are immune from depression? Think again. Matthew Roth has the story at Bleacher Report about Mike Swick’s return from the darkness. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1436142-mike-swick-talks-about-909-days-of-depression-before-octagon-return

My comments? Welcome back, Mike, and thanks for going public with your struggle. It inspires me and I am confident it will inspire a lot of men. Way to go, man!

Note: This is a very rare instance of blogging the same content in two places. Indeed, I think this is the first time I have ever done so; it's not my usual practice. I have also posted this at http://www.maledepression.com/personal-stories/mike-swick-talks-about-909-days-of-depression-before-octagon-return/ . I'm making this unusual deviation from my regular practice because I think the health issue is so important. Thanks for your support.

Starting a New Year

Since my birthday was November 28, I am starting a new year for myself. Training is still minimal, but I am getting some roadwork in:

November 28:     37 minutes
November 29:     36 minutes
December 1:        1 hour and 16 minutes

I am eager to get back to the gym and regular workouts. I am optimistic that the improving economy will allow me to realize more revenue so that I can do that in the fairly new future. I am hustling to get new work for my law firm!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my USA friends and supporters! May you and your loved ones have an awesome holiday, filled with family, friends, gratitude, joy, and peace.

The Undecided Dog

Slow Going

I haven't posted much here lately. Training is at a minimum and really only includes roadwork. The legal business has been very slow, so the money just isn't there for gym membership fees. Oh well, things will get better. I have to stay positive.

A Happy Anniversary

On a chilly day, September 20, 1975, a 9-week-old miniature schnauzer puppy came into the lives of my parents, my brother, and me. Her name was Mopsy and, although the events leading up to our getting her are numerous and complexly intertwined, that sweet little dog was anything but complicated. Hers was a genuine, unconditional love that blessed us all until September 3, 1989 when she passed away.

Mopsy's days with us were a (I'd like to think mutual) delight. She was always a happy, curious dog who loved riding in the car and traveling to new places. Her life was too short, when measured in years, but I think that's always the case. I believe God gives dogs shorter life spans so they can get to the Rainbow Bridge and heaven sooner.

So, this day, I remember Mopsy, and the "sister" and "brother" who followed her: Flopsy and Sebastian, mini schnauzers all. I am grateful for the joy that they have all brought to my family over the years. What a blessing are dogs!

One, If By Land; One-two, If By Sea?

Here's an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal about how the America's Cup-winning Oracle Team USA uses boxing workouts to prepare for sailing races.

Happy Birthday, United States Constitution!

Today is the 225th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America. Let freedom ring!

The lake is awesome!

Did 1 hour and 12 minutes of roadwork at the beach today. It was great. The waves breaking on the shore and rolling over my feet were pretty warm. (In early September, after a hot summer, the water in Lake Michigan is about as warm as it's going to get, ever.) I had fun with it.

Since I live near a dogs-friendly beach, it was neat to see all the dogs playing and having a great time. Ah, summer, how quickly it is passing.

Old-time Boxing Manuals: *Boxing for Beginners*, by William J. Jacomb

Boxing for Beginners

Please note that most, if not all, of these old-time boxing manuals were written during a different time. That earlier time had somewhat different cultural, social, and political sensibilities and may use some words and expressions that are rarely used today. Please remember that I did not write these materials and I do not necessarily agree with or endorse everything they say about training techniques or other matters. Thanks.

New Law Firm Web Site and Blawg

I am happy to announce my new law firm Web site and blawg (or law-oriented blog, if you prefer). Here's the address:

http://illinoisbusinesslawyer.us

I an currently posting links (and occasional commentary) to online stories about business law. Starting today, I will also post updates about Internet law. Enjoy!

Mental Game: Practicing the Ol' One-two

I have been working on the mental game recently. For now, that consists of visualization. I have been mentally rehearsing the left jab-straight right (or right cross).

The mental training is interesting. To do it well, I think one has to imagine that all of the senses are participating in the practice. Specifically, it helps to imagine my feet and legs stepping forward with the jab and pivoting with the hips to really turn the body into the right.

Some of the rest of it is obvious: imagining balance, keeping hands up, looking for opportunities to throw more punches after I see how the one-two goes. One thing that isn't quite so obvious is remembering to breathe. That is essential, too, so that I can develop good habits that will carry over into physical training.