Nov
12
Are You An Everyday Sports Fan Or A Confirmed Fanatic
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There are two main types of sports supporters in this world – the enlightened fan with a jersey or two from his favorite team and the ultra fan who thinks NHL hockey jerseys should be given the same status as the tux.
Most fans would be categorized the first category. Quite a few among us would own a Boston Red Sox jersey or a Portland Trailblazers apparel, maybe attend a New England Patriots game or two, and we would keep up to date with the latest news and rumors of happenings in the leagues. Some of us might even be part of a fantasy mock draft group.
But this is enough for some followers of the game. There are quite a few fans who are so consumed by their passion that they have to have every single logo memorabilia item from their favorite team.
There is nothing wrong with expressing support for a team. But there are those who take it further than most. Donning MLB uniforms is standard get-ups for these fans.
A number of you who have attended games might have noticed the presence of at least one ultra fan at the game who would don a team jersey which would be covered with team logo pins, badges and other logo memorabilia which could be stuck or attached to a team uniform. In relative terms, this fan would be the sports fan version of a King Scout displaying his badges. Admirable one might think.
There was one incident where a Packers fan bought an item which fans do not usually buy – a Green Bay Packers NFL #First-Up#10′x 10′ adjustable canopy. It was uncommon but useful for barbecues in the yard. Unfortunately this dedicated fan lived by himself in an apartment and had no intention of actually using the merchandise. He merely wanted to add to his Green Bay Packers logo collectables collection.
Fanatic team fans have lived with the daily mocking and stares for a long time. But passion can make people do unexplainable things. Sports is a sort of escapism to most of us. It allows us to leave behind the insanity of the hustle and bustle of the world for a mere few hours every week, and live vicariously through the star players we cherish and sometimes idolize. When we don that NFL jersey or put on those MLB uniforms, while watching the game at the stadium or live on the idiot box, it is just as if we are part of the team.
Passion cannot be measured. Passion manifests itself in different ways in different people. As stated in the examples above, some people are passionate about collecting NFL merchandise. It is merely their way of displaying their support for their favourite team. But there are others who display their passion in a less visually obvious way, by being very knowledgeable about the sport of their interest or the team they support. Needless to say, the second group of fans are mocked less although they are no less passionate.
Nov
11
What actually constitutes a true sports fan? Could owning MLB merchandise from a favorite team transform an individual into a bigger sports fan than an individual who does not? Some might claim that a team jersey is the basic team merchandise a fan should have as gesture of loyalty to a team. Quite a few so called followers will go on a shopping spree for MLB fitted caps just as soon as their team wins a championship. But when the team is not winning anything, they can hardly be found with memorabilia related to the team they support.
A large number of of the faster selling team uniforms of more famous or better performing teams are sold at a premium price. This would mean that there would be a number of true fans out there who would be unable to afford such items. It is the same for season tickets.
Why do we support teams or have favorite players in the first place? People primarily the male of the species have a thing about games and being part of a team. This behavior stems from our childhood. Some things just do not change. We still idolize the Michael Jordans of current times because they afford us to live vicariously through them. Not everyone can throw a three pointer or hit a home run at will but certainly anyone can own an NBA sports team jersey. And, for many of us, it is not just the games gets our attention but the lifestyle as well.
Knowledge is an pivotal part of being a real fan. Information of team history, current team events and the overall sport is important. A lot of fans who attend weekend games are only there to experience atmosphere as it might be the only time they have a chance to wear their NFL replica jerseys or parade their other team logo merchandise. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that as the experience is unbelievable. However, attending games alone does not qualify a person as a real fan according to some.
Loyalty is yet another very essential virtue of being a genuine fan. As mentioned earlier, some fans are fickle and only support a team during the good times. These individuals are known as band wagon jumpers. The second a team drops in performance, these fans jump to the next best team or the new leader of the group.
There are quite a few fans all over the country who are considered armchair fans and have never been to a game. There are those who love a game in spite of not ever having played it. This could be due to a persons physical or psychological restriction. It is difficult to ascertain what attracts us to a game we have never played. Could it be the the common love for a team? Could it be euphoria of attending a major final? Or could it be the fact that we are merely able to appreciate a good thing when we see it.
Nov
9
You have no doubt spend hours during the course of your life looking over footwear both in physical stores and on the Internet. The selection of shoe styles available will make the most picky among us smile. However, when making that final decision on a brand of shoes, you need to take into account price, style, durability, comfort, and the overall appearance. This is no less true with men’s boots.
When it comes to side zip boots, men might complain that they’re too fashionable or stylish to be masculine. However, zippered boots are quickly becoming one of the hottest new trends in male fashion – with ultra-manly brands like the Australian Boot Company and others coming out with “city boots” that are both comfortable and cool.
For an overview of some of the best-looking zippered men’s boots on sale this year, read on.
Kenneth Cole New York City Boot ($200+)
This city boot from Kenneth Cole is both sleek and sophisticated. The shoe is made from a soft mix of suede and leather and comes in a muted gray, so you can take your shoe wardrobe away from standard and boring black.
There are few details, no embellishments and a general style that’s cool, calm and collected. The best part about these well made city boots? The non-slip heel means they’re great for banging around town on a wet or snowy day.
Hugo Boss Ankle Boots ($175+)
These boots are designed to function and look good – making them a pretty nice pair of side zip boots. Most men will appreciate the rugged appeal of these heavy-duty boots, but also enjoy the waterproof functionality that lets you run though anything without worry.
These city boots are really made for the urban warrior – they can handle a beating during any winter storm, making them a pretty ideal choice for cold and snowy winters or stormy and wet springs.
Timberland Zippered Walking Boots ($125+)
With their patented Smart Comfort System, these zippered men’s boots by Timberland are made for walking. Fortunately, they’re also made for style. This is a waterproof boot (they guarantee it) designed to take you from an afternoon hiking in the mountains right to the chalet restaurant. The design is simple, rustic and casual, but cool enough for a night out.
City Boots by Gucci ($560)
These boots are the one of the best for urban indulgence. The ankle boot style and soft, butter-colored leather blend very well together for an overall luxurious shoe. The one drawback? At almost $600 a pair, you may to be too scared to wear these beauties outside the house. If so, invest in a pair of galoshes.
For side zip boots, men should look for boots that not only look good, but also fit well right off the bat. Unlike leather shoes, boots are less likely to stretch out, particularly around the ankles – which means finding the right perfect is crucial.
Nov
8
Gifts baskets are cool, but can you give one to a man? Of course you can, but it takes a little more thought than just some creams and lotions like you see in women’s gift bags and baskets. In fact, forget about the idea of a gift basket and just go for the overall group gift. Instead of putting one item in a box, place several related items together as a large present.
For a man, you have to think outside the box, or basket that is.
Themed baskets for men always work well; for example baseball – might include a team replica ball, some snack foods normally eaten at ball games like peanuts, popcorn and candy. Decorate the basket in team colors and include a team pendant. Most men love candy and snack foods so fill a basket with his favorite food items including hard candies, chocolates, salty snack bags, and gum. A golf basket may include golf tees and balls, a filled in score card with high marks, shoelaces and a favorite brand of sunglasses.
The basket designed for a man can be something that fits his style. If he is a handy man around the house pick up a paint bucket and glue pictures of tools on it. Fill the bucket with his favorite snacks (cookies, candy, gum, crackers) and throw in a couple of movie passes or game passes and you have a perfect gift basket (bucket). If your man is a golfer instead of a basket use a smaller insulated cooler and fill it with candy golf balls, cookies, hard candies, his favorite coffee beans, and toss in some golf tees, golf balls and a golf hat.
Not every gift for a man needs to include food either. If your guy works outside, perhaps a new pair of tactical boots stuffed with fresh warm socks and some gloves would be a nice replacement. If he likes lawn and landscaping, some grass treatment items may be in order, or for winter, a bucket of ice melt and snow shovel may be an appreciated gift.
I know we are getting out of the realm of gift baskets here, but you are getting the picture. There are also any number of small items to stuff around your chosen gift bucket. Here are some personalized gift items to include in any themed or hobby gift basket for men:
*personalized money clip
*photo frame
*MP3 Player
*coffee travel mug
*music downloads
The idea is to offer a bunch of small gifts, all personalized for him. With men, you really can’t go wrong.
