Rick's Appearance on 'Talking Tennis Southen Style' Podcast 12/17/20 - Tennis Gift Guide

I joined Sam Crenshaw on the USTA Southern's "Talking Tennis: Southern Style" podcast with my tennins holiday gift guide.

Have a listen:

We talked about:

Magic Socks

MP Merino Wool socks 37.5, which will keep you feet always warm in 37.5°C(99.5°F).
Merino wool is the gift from nature, known for its superior thermoregulation, natural moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties. And with the added warmth of 37.5 technology, it enhances the heat preservation and odorless function.
Even when the temperature drops, keep up the pace with Merino Wool and 37.5 technology.

The benefits of 37.5 technology:

Keep your feet warm in 37.5°C
Odorless
Fast dry
Never wash out

Neuro Tennis Wristbands  $269
www.neurotennis.com

Smart tennis wristbands. Two key differences make this wearable technology so different from other smart tennis devices on the market.
“One major difference is that NeuroTennis coaches you while you play,” said NeuroTennis CEO, Alain Cohen.

“Other tennis trackers just report statistics on speed, spin, and stroke counts, without much actionable information. NeuroTennis, on the other hand, provides coaching instructions that are synchronized with the rhythm of your hitting, as you play.

“The second revolutionary aspect of the technology is that it wirelessly connects the wristbands of two players across the court, in order to pinpoint the timing of audible coaching instructions, precisely when your opponent hits the ball.”

Former world No. 1 Mats Wilander was an integral part of designing NeuroTennis. “To reach the next level, I believe in modifying your game and not just measuring it,” Wilander said. “I believe that to reach your full potential, you need to train your brain just as hard as your skills and fitness.”

Features and benefits of NeuroTennis include:

Two player or solo mode - NeuroTennis is most typically used in a two-player mode, meaning that the sensors in each device communicate with each other, across the court.

NeuroTennnis App - The feature-rich app allows you to select lessons and drills from an extensive library designed by world-class coaches, including Mats Wilander. Taking it to the next level, you or your coach can easily customize content to specifically address your goals. Available for iPhone and Android.

CLICKR  -  Smartphone cases and grips
www.clickr.com

Start around $20

CLCKR smartphone cases — the perfect stocking stuffer for any smartphone user.
CLCKR cases feature a grip and stand built directly into the case, making it easy to video call in portrait mode, watch content in landscape mode or run/workout with your device in hand using the grip.
Best of all, CLCKR makes cases to fit nearly all iPhone and Android models as well as a Universal Grip that attaches to the back of any device or existing case.

BlendJet 2  - Portable Blender

Perfect for jetting around town. Lightweight & durably constructed. Stash it in your bag & drink straight from the jar.
Have a perfect drink in 20 seconds

Take with you in your tennis bag.
Lasts for 15+ blends & recharges quickly. Water-resistant USB-C charging port. Reversible cable included.

Chocolate Tennis Balls

Chocolate Tennis Balls -  Popping open a can of these white and milk chocolate tennis balls filled with marshmallow fluff.
ChoconChoc on etsy.com
 
Personalized Tennis Balls

Personalised Tennis Balls
PriceofBath on etsy.com
$24.08
 

Truist Atlanta Open

www.atlantaopentennis.com

Rick's Appearance on 'Waves of Tech' Episode 470

I made my annual appearance on the "Waves of Tech" podcast this week, joining Steve and Dave to talk a wide range of tech gift ideas and shares the tech gifts that go well beyond the tablets, phones, and gaming systems. We dive into talking about high tech Huffy bikes, Amazon Echo Flex, Samsung soundbars, the World Almanac, an affordable GPS golf watch, and eco-friendly clothing. So be sure to place these items in your shopping carts this holiday season.

Have a listen to the entire episode:

Products Rick brought on:

Huffy Hybrid Gravel Bike – On & Off Road Bike

We often don’t think about the technology behind bikes, but the new Huffy Carom 27.5-in 14-Speed Gravel Bicycle is a great gift for someone looking to upgrade their ride or for someone looking at getting back into biking. The new style boasts a sturdy aluminum hydroformed frame, dual disc brakes, mountain bike handlebars, alloy quick-release seat binder, and Kolo alloy 3-piece crank. The 14-speed Micro-Shift shifting technology makes it easy to adjust gears while on the road, off the road, or adventuring through downtown. You can pick up the rugged bike at retailers for $260.

Amazon Echo Flex

Without fail, any Amazon in-home gadget works wonders during the holidays. The Echo Flex is the perfect solution to add to your home automation and smart systems. And for under $25, it is a great stocking stuffer or supplemental gift. The Echo flex offers voice control of your smart home (turn on lights, adjust thermostats, phone calls, lock doors), built-in USB port (charge your phone or tablet), an optional night-light accessory or motion sensor, and connection to other compatible Echo devices. You can also enable Alexa Guard to get Smart Alerts if your Echo device detects the sound of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, or glass breaking.

Samsung Q70R Soundbar

As television technology continues to advance in terms of picture technology, sound seems to take a back seat. Enter Samsung’s 2019 Q Series Soundbars – the Q70R provides multidimensional cinematic audio sound designed to enhance your home entertainment setup. The Q Series offers Dolby Atmos & DTS: X along with a super sleek and slim design featuring 6 speakers in total. Buyers can save upwards of $200 on select soundbars when buying a qualifying 2019 QLED or UHD TV. This is an ideal gift for the sports, movie, and gaming fanatic in your life.

The 2020 World Almanac Book of Facts

It’s definitely not tech, but it is still relevant to this day! Out now, The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2020 returns with the Year in Sports, Year in Pictures, Offbeat News Stories, Decade in Review, and 16 pages of world maps and flags and easy-to-use side tabs. The World Almanac provides hundreds of pages of trivia and statistics featuring the women’s World Cup soccer tournament, a quick preview of the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, and much more.

TecTecTec – GPS Golf Watch

When you think of wearables, most think of Apple Watch, FitBit, or some other health related items. Sports wearables have grown in great popularity the past few years. Case in point, check out the TecTecTec ULT-G model for only $110. This wearable finally provides a golf GPS watch that is affordable. There are no subscriptions or surprise additional charges for course updates. The smart unit is water and dust resistant. The watch auto detects the golf course you are playing with a database of more than 38,000 courses worldwide. As a golfer, you will benefit from the distance to the front and back of greens, distance to hazards, and automatic hole progression. A no-brainer gift for the golf lover or golf amatuer you may know.

Blue Zipper Shorts

Technology stretches to the clothing industry as well. Blue Zipper’s lineup is heavily based in designing eco-friendly shorts and products. Their design philosophy is to start making better apparel while reducing dependency on polyester, due to its potential to pollute waterways. The lineup of men’s outdoor shorts and pants provide flexibility and durability. The range of color options would make a perfect match for the outdoor enthusiast, hiker, biker, or camper.

If you are a podcast fan, make sure you check out one of the longest running tech and information podcasts, Waves of Tech.

Rick's Appearance on 'Waves of Tech' Podcast - 11/19/18 - Black Friday Hacks and Picks

Great to be on with my two good friends, Steve and Dave Lee on the Waves of Tech podcast on the Modernlife Network.

We talk about a wide range of items for the holidays from online Christmas card ordering, noise cancelling headphones, DSLR cameras, vintage video games, and portable gym bags.  And what about some holiday hacks such as finding places that price match, doing your homework online prior to shopping, using apps to find the best deals around, and finding out what benefits credit card companies offer for shoppers.

 Have a listen and the show notes are below:

Rick’s Black Friday Deals

Christmas Cards from Card Fool (www.cardfool.com)

If you don’t care to do the traditional sending of Christmas or holiday cars, considering using Card Fool as it makes giving your holiday cards easy and fun.  Order online, put in your own message, and the card is delivered right to the recipient for a single low fee per card sent.

Mixcder – E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones (www.mixcder.com)

Noise cancelling headphones are a huge business right now.  Everyone from fitness gurus to gamers to home users are snatching these items up.  The costs typically vary from $100 to $400. Check out Mixcder’s E7 model offered at only $60.  It is an amazing deal with quick charging, a 12-hour playback life, and high quality sound over Bluetooth.

KICHGO – Portable Gym in a 2 lb. Bag (www.kichgo.com)

For only $65, you can pick up the Kichgo portable gym bag for yourself or a fitness lover in your life.  This bag of goodies includes various gym items such as resistance bands, videos, and more. You can use the equipment for Pilates, circuit training, tabatas, and yoga routines.  This gym in a 2 pound bag makes fitness attainable for everyone by keeping it simple and helping everyone achieve consistency.

The C64 Mini  – Commodore 64 Mini (www.thec64.com)

This is one of Rick’s favorite items of 2018 at the low cost of $80 a unit.  If you remember all those great sports games on the Commodore 64, you’re going to be a fan of the Commodore 64 Mini.  THEC64® Mini, a 50% replica of the of the world’s bestselling home computer that launched in 1982, comes pre-loaded with 64 classic games and THEC64® Joystick.  The simple plug and play action is perfect for everyone in the family. Imagine classic Commodore games on a high definition 55-inch television!

Nikon D3500 DSLR (www.nikonusa.com)

Smartphone cameras having been getting better and better with each and every model, but some shots deserve more and that’s where the Nikon DSLR comes in.  The D3500 (priced at an affordable price tag – camera and lens only $499) is the lightest and most portable DSLR yet and the ultimate travel camera! The D3500 is perfect for on-the-go shooting with its compact and durable build.  Features include upgraded 24.2 megapixel sensor (15 times larger than a typical smartphone), HD video recording, Bluetooth connectivity with Nikon SnapBridge for instant image transfer to your smartphone.

Combat Wipes – Active Outdoor Wipes (https://www.combatwipes.com/active)

For the outdoor and hiking enthusiasts in your life, check out Combat Wipes – a 100% biodegradable wipe that you can bury after use. It goes back to nature 100%, has recyclable packaging, and has a cleansing and refreshing formula.  These are more than just another ordinary baby wipes pack – it specifically designed to the outdoor enthusiasts with the environment in mind. Buy one or as many as you want for $6.75 per pack.

Black Friday Deals, Holiday Hacks, and Hot Holiday Items

You may not know, but many credit cards companies offer additional benefits such as extended warranties on gadgets and tech.  Here are some examples, but be sure to call your local bank or credit card representative for specifics.

Save your receipt – the card statement showing the purchase and the manufacturer’s warranty, whether buying for yourself or as a gift

Use a card that provides Price Protection that will reimburse you for the difference between what you paid and the better price you found

Use a card that provides Purchase Protection that covers eligible purchases against accidental damage, theft, or loss

Use a card that allows Return Protection of certain items even if the merchant won’t accept it or issue a refund.

General tips for Black Friday shopping include:

Find places that will give you the best price
Doing preliminary research online for all items you plan to buy
Find out if stores offer price matching at the counter
Maximize your shopping by limiting time spent in stores and lines

Thanks to Steve and Dave for this great episode!

Kindle Pick of the Week: #HeySportsParents: An Essential Guide for any Parent with a Child in Sports

Another great book from Sharkie Zartman.

#HeySportsParents: An Essential Guide for any Parent with a Child in Sports

Sports parenting is easier said than done. It's difficult to watch our kids play a sport and not have any control over the outcome. And it's challenging to stay calm and supportive while helping our kids navigate the terrain of choices available to them. However, if done properly, this experience can be very rewarding.

#HeySportsParents starts off with a segment on Sports Parenting 101 written by Sharkie Zartman covering the basics of parenting a young athlete including the perks and pitfalls of youth sports, how to choose the right program for your child, how to feed a young athlete, what your role is as a parent, coaching your own child,how to navigate the college recruiting process, and a special chapter on stress management.

The second segment, The Sports Doctor is In, is written by Dr. Robert Weil, also known as the Sports Doctor. He shares valuable tips on sports safety and the dangers of overtraining and specializing too soon in a sport and also the real dangers of concussions and CTE in contact sports, especially football.

The book also includes two special sections written by sports parenting experts and parents of elite athletes

Expert and parent contributors include:

Dr. Denise McDermott, Kate Davis, R.D., Janis B. Meredith, Ian Goldberg, Melissa Orth Fray, Dr. Dave Epperson, Robert Andrews, Dr. Steve Horwitz, Dr. Holly Benjamin, Dr. Claire Gross, Kirk Mango, Cat Dols, Nancy Ryan, and Timmer Halligan.

Get this book now and help your kids get the most out of sports.

Link to Kindle version: https://www.amazon.com/HeySportsParents-Essential-Guide-Parent-Sports-ebook/dp/B07CJTZ5PL/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1535893320&sr=8-3

Here is a link as I interview Sharkie on my "Tech of Sports" podcast.

New Home for 'Tech of Sports'

After almost five years at Modernlife.network, "The Tech of Sports" has flown the coup.

A new home, but still some great content, and we are upping the ante with some great upcoming guests.

Here is the new page: http://techofsports.blubrry.net/

Here is first episode at the new location.

It's episode #199, btw. Stay tuned for No. 200.