My ESPN

Is it the start of a new era for Nike?

Written by Sabine Demosthenes

Montreal – What I will write in the next few sentences won’t be pleasing, but I’m always up for starting a controversial conversation that may shed light on a different perspective on a particular subject.
Recently, Nike has been back in the PR game with a bang. We saw the ad with Serena Williams and her father. It was so beautiful.

Serena Nike
Strength, courage, determination, and humility were showcased in this ad. For me, the ad was a success!
Serena Just Do It

This weekend, Colin Kaepernick was chosen to be part of Nike’s ‘Just Do It’ Anniversary campaign. I must admit, I like the ad. The black and white picture is marvelous! I do respect Colin for his beliefs and what he is standing for, but I would respect him more if he truly wanted to play some football-to at least have a season in the Canadian league, even if his salary wouldn’t be comparable to the NFL.

But, that’s another story.

I have a little problem with Nike. And damn, I love their apparel and shoes. I’m happy that this company is standing behind a social cause,but this is the same company that contributes to poor quality of life by making young boys or girls work in a sweatshop when they should be in school getting the best education they can or playing outside with friends, wearing their own decent pair of Nikes. Even Patrick J. Adams (a fellow Canuck) tweeted about the fact that Nike shouldn’t really be seen as an activist company when they still use non-unionized sweatshop labor.

I know I will get a shit load of comments, but I thinkifNike truly wanted to make a change, maybe they should put the same amount of money on a campaign to end the horrific conditions of sweatshop labor for any human being. This is not a place for a child to work. A child needs to be in school. Maybe, make a better work environment for the parents, with the possibilities of a scholarship for the children of those workers can go to school abroad or in their country. One thing for sure, Nike can Do It!

As for Colin, with all the money and the sponsorship he gets, I hope he will continue to stand up for what he believes in, just play some football elsewhere (Canada is a beautiful country and the CFL is not THAT bad). He can still fight the good fight and play some fine football in the CFL. Is it more appealing to be a glitzy activist?

Is it truly about activism, or is it about the money after all?

Nike, Just Do It.
colin-kaepernick-nike

P.S. Some people are damn stupid to burn their Nike’s items. Seriously… Damn fools.

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Les Fous du Foot volume 1!

J’adore écouter Les Fous du Foot. Je les trouve si drôle et si intéressant.

Quelle chimie entre le Professeur du Foot et le Fou Éduqué.

Ils parleront de l’excentricité de l’entraineur Maurizio Sarri, du milieu de terrain Jorgihno, de Naby Keita et de José Mourinho.

Regardons leur analyse!

Jim The Great

Written by Sabine Demosthenes

Yesterday seemed to be a typical Monday. Anticipating my day in academic life, I started by reading my emails and preparing my posts for the week.

I went to my office and for a Blue Monday, I was in a pretty good mood, especially for a girl that doesn’t like Mondays for some childish reason.

Then, I heard my Twitter alert and grabbed my cell phone to see what is going on. The moment I saw that Bret Hart tweet, I felt like I was in a silent movie. My mouth was moving, but no sound was coming out. I gasped and suddenly, tears were slowly hitting my desk.

Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart had passed away.

I stopped doing whatever I was doing for a good 5 minutes. My thoughts went to Ellie, Nattie, Muffy, Jenni and TJ. He was a heck of a father and family man. He would do anything for his girls. Then, I was thinking about Bret. His partner in crime and one of his closest friends was gone.

A family lost a husband, father, brother-in-law, uncle, brother and cousin. Friends have lost a loyal, funny, kind-hearted friend. Fans have lost an hero. It’s an inspiration to be who you are and to give your best in everything no matter what.

A month ago, we had filmed a little tribute to the Hart Foundation. It wasn’t a perfect video, but Donald and I were both so proud to recall our fondest memories of The Hitman and The Anvil. I remember saying that I was always mesmerized by Jim’s charisma. As a child, I called him my fun uncle Jim since I truly wanted to have a fun uncle like Jim.

I’m happy that Jade, her brothers, her sister and her cousins have the honor of having this one-of-a-kind gentle giant of an uncle like Jim.

In recent years, I realized that the most precious gift from someone who loved you, but is no longer with you, is the gift of sweet memories.

Photographs, videos, letters and foremost, the recollection of sweet stories and memories are truly the most valuable legacy they could have left us.

I dedicate this post to Ellie, Nattie, TJ, Stephanie, Jennifer, Jim’s grandkids, Bret and the entire Hart and Neidhart families. To Jim’s friends too and to all his fans.

To Jade Lambros-Hart, The Chronicle Family is sending big hugs.

With love,

The Chronicle Blog Family

30 years ago… Wayne Gretzky was traded and all Canadians were mourning.

Written by Sabine Demosthenes and produced by Donald and Sabine Demosthenes

30 years ago, The Educated Fool was in shock and even his mom was in shock.

And guess what…

The Whole Canada was in shock.

How come?

Poor The Educated Fool and probably all of the Canadians all around the country.

We will always remember this date.

 

Wayne in LA

The date we got 99 problems like Jay Z sang.

Jay Z 99 problems

Hymn to LeBron James

Written by Sabine Demosthenes

After a little summer break, listening to this 70’s hit Summer Breeze, I’m ready to tackle the remainder of the summer!

I wasn’t really on a break, as Ross told Rachel on a Friends episode, since I have been working with The NorthSide team. We’ve been filming our kick-butt (I’m must be careful with my language!) YouTube talk show with the magnificent Educated Fool, Donnie D! Let’s say we’ve been having some serious fun.

Montreal was, again, the city to be in for summer. Osheaga, the Just for Laugh Festival, the International Jazz Festival, the African Nights Festival, the FrancoFolies and a lot of cool concerts were part of our summer “repertoire”.

Let’s get back to business shall we…

The last few weeks have been interesting. LeBron James is not only the crowned king of Los Angeles, but he is also the People’s King.

Why?

You may have heard or read that this fine gentleman created a very promising school. Some people were not very happy, or probably jealous (hint: 45), and lashed out with their stupidity on Twitter. LeBron James is clearly not intimidated by this kind of bullying. He is still focusing on the positivity surrounding him (a legion of people all around the world are admiring his good heart and his talent).

To King James, we promise to follow you.

Before I forget, a quick shoutout to Jalen Rose and Molly Qerim – the First Couple of ESPN!

They got married two weeks ago. When I learned this beautiful news, I did a little happy dance, like Carlton Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air (The Tom Jones one) in our VR during our camping trip. Guys, if you are sports and pop culture fans, check out their shows and podcasts on ESPN! You won’t regret it at all.

I will end this editorial with one question mark:

I wonder if Kobe Bryant is asking himself why he didn’t think of being more of a philanthropist instead of focusing on who is the greatest basketball player of all-time?

I’m just saying…

http://www.lebronjames.com

Jalen and Jacoby Show on ESPN

Molly Qerim Instagram