Christmas List 2007

*Updated 11DEC*

Amazon
I've got some pleasure reading, some supplemental Arabic CD's and books, a few Yoga DVD's (I took it up a few weeks ago) and even a few video games on my wish list (although I haven't been able to play video games in a while). Click the button below and it'll take you directly to my list.

Street Clothes:
T-shirts: I'm into a few new brands this year.
1. Fokai: online store here
I'm looking for these styles and colors:

-Island Tee in Navy

-Label Tee in Black

-Island 2 Tee in Black

2. Fairtex: online store here

-#TS4 - Fairtex Vintage T-Shirt

3. Purebred USA: online store here

-Purebred USA LLM Black Shirt Yellow Writing

-Purebred Koi Gray

-Yamatodamashii Forever Navy

Hoodie:
1. Nogi: online store here

-"OE" Hoodie in Brown

Jiujitsu/workout stuff:

1. HCK Gi/Kimono: online store here

-Standard Single Unbleached (get the $50 one, not the more expensive one(s)).

2. Underarmour shirts
Note: It's not necessary to get "Underarmour" brand since a lot of companies are making knockoffs of the same types of shirts for less (you can find these brands at Wal-Mart for instance) money and similar quality. All I'm worried about here is that they have some sort of moisture wicking properties (i.e. lycra or polyester blend) since I wear these to workout and wear them underneath my jiujitsu Gi's and I tend to workup a nice sweat when doing so. These shirts are more comfortable, dry out sooner, are more hygenic and don't weigh me down. I'm providing pictures and info for the UnderArmour shirts but, once again, they don't need to be "UnderArmour". Just so long as they're the same size and fit (Large and loose or compression respectively) any brand is fine.

Men's HeatGear® Tactical Full T $24.99
Loose Fit, Size: LG

Men's HeatGear® Tactical Full T $24.99
Compression Fit, Size: LG

Watch
1. I need a new day-to-day watch. One that I wear when I'm out and about and, more importantly, when I go workout. This Timex Ironman has served me well for the past 6-7 years (I've had 2 of them) and the one I have now is starting to crap out on me. There are 2 options here:

IRONMAN* Triathlon® 100-Lap with Flix

Price: US $70.00

Product Code: T519319J

IRONMAN* Triathlon® 100-Lap with Flix

Price: US $70.00

Product Code: T5E2619J

Ross Enamait Books (website here)
Note: I already have one of his books, Infinite Intensity, and love it. This guy's great and I'm going to get the rest of his stuff at some point.


Full Throttle Conditioning
$25.00



Never Gymless
$24.95

L's new personal trainer (that's her to the left!!)

FitnesSavvy


Those of you reading this probably know a little of the background story on this already so I won't bore you with a recap. After a few weeks off from the time the sessions from her last trainer ran out, L decided to sign up with a new trainer. She and I discussed what her options were (yes, I threw in my "Crossfit-two cents") and decided to walk over to our apartments "fitness center" to see what trainers had flyers up. After taking one home with us L gave the lady a call to set up a consultation, meeting up with her last night, and has decided to start up with starting next Monday. I'm encouraged for a few reasons. First, outside of the 2 sessions a week that she will be meeting up with her the trainer will write out a program for L to do on her own the rest of the week (something that was missing from the last trainer). Second, the training package comes with a nutritional aspect to it where L will be keeping a food log and getting diet/nutrition consultation with her trainer (something else that was missing last time). Both of these things are supremely important and I think will go a long ways towards ending L's frustration. Finally, there's the matter of the trainer herself. Not too bad looking but more importantly, she used to be a normal looking chick who apparently just started working hard and applying the knowledge that she gained. Check out the website and the "about me" section (website's posted above).

Stephen Colbert and Rep. Meeks, D-NY

I'm a huge Stephen Colbert fan and think he's doing some of the best comedy/political commentary out there. For those of you who've heard of him but maybe haven't been able to check him out here's a clip of one of his classic segments: Better Know a District. He basically picks a congressional district and after giving some basic info about the district gets to the good stuff: sitting down and interviewing that district's congressman, senator or whoever else is brave enough to sit down with him. This clip introduces us to New York's 6th District and Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-NY.

USA 7's Tournament - San Diego

The USA 7's Tournament is one of several rugby 7's tournaments held throughout the world in places like Dubai, Hong Kong, New Zealand, England as well as the US. While I've never been to one personally I hear they're quite the social event and a great introduction to the sport. The USA 7's tournament is being held in San Diego this year at Petco Park (where the Padres play) on the 10th thru the 11th of February and I plan on being there. Care to join me? Check out the website here and let me know if you're interested in making it out.

Dubai primer



I've been to Dubai and can't wait to go back. Maybe a few of you have heard about it (maybe from me or wherever else) and want to know more. Seth Stevenson from Slate has a five part piece titled, Looking for Mammon in the Muslim World , about his travels there as well as tons of pics that will tell you everything you need to know about the "Vegas of the Middle East".

Christmas List 2006

Welcome to my Christmas list for 2006. Hopefully this will provide you with plenty of ideas regardless of whether you want to go out and shop or would prefer to order online. Most of the stuff can be found at my Amazon Wish List (which can be found below, click the link for the full list) and I've also listed stuff that isn't on the Amazon list and provided links and guidance as necessary.



1. Mama Mellace's Old World Treats

Get:

• Variety pack at Costco
• Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
• Butter Rum Almonds
• Pumpkin Spice Almonds
• Tuscany Almonds
• Cranberry Pecans
• Cinnamon Cashews
• Roasted Garlic Peanuts

Don't think of getting:

• Spicy stuff (like Chipotle, Curry or Sweet Fire)

2. Athletic Socks

Get:

• Wrightsock: you can get them at Roadrunner Sports

3. Magazine subscriptions

• Sports Illustrated
• ESPN The Magazine
• The Economist
• Business Week
• Wall Street Journal
• The Weekly Standard

4. Itunes gift card

5. Bed sheets

Get:

• AT LEAST: 400 thread count, Egyptian cotton

6. Paper Shredder

Get:

• Crosscut shredder
  

More pics from John P's trip to Afghanistan.

I've been getting regular emails and picture updates from John. Check out the latest pictures here.