Talks have finally ended and lawyers and owners finally put the last ink on contractual agreements this morning with the new ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers that include Guggenheim Partners Mark Walter, NBA Legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Stan Kasten (CEO of Dodgers organization.
“The Dodgers emerge from the Chapter 11 reorganization process having achieved its objective of maximizing the value of the Dodgers through a successful Plan of Reorganization, under which all claims will be paid,” the new owners said in a statement. “The Dodgers move forward with confidence – in a strong financial position; as a premier Major League Baseball franchise; and as an integral part of and representative of the Los Angeles community.”
They bought the team from Frank McCourt. In a side deal the same group bought half of the land under the Dodgers parking lot in a deal by which McCourt retains an ownership stake but apparently not much control. There is much speculation that land will be developed for commercial purposes in the future. On Monday, McCourt reportedly paid his ex-wife Jamie $131 million that was due form a divorce settlement on time. Had he been late, she would have had legal right to challenge the settlement and sale. McCourt is expected to pocket close to $1 billion from the sale.
The new group takes over the Dodger at time they are in first place in their division in the National League.
With the NBA Playoffs underway and the Nets last season being known as the “The New Jersey Nets” comes the released commercial welcoming the new team to the new Barclays Center. Using inspiration from minority owner, Jay-Z, “Hello Brooklyn” showcase the history and tradition associated with Brooklyn athletics, as well as the needed mention that with a new city comes a much needed rebirth of sorts. Look for official uniform unveiling is expected sometime in September 2012.
The ever-patriotic Ralph Lauren who is the official outfitter of the , proud outfitters of the 2012 U.S.Olympic Team, presents an inspiring short film that highlights the hopes, dreams, determination and courage of the athletes.
The list of celebrity names at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner (hosted by Jimmy Kimmel) on Saturday night (April 28) read like an awards show afterparty, but the rapper who got a shout out during President Obama’s speech wasn’t even in attendance. During his humorous minutes on the mic, Obama made his taste for Young Jeezy’s music known by admitting he sings the Jeezy’s songs to his wife.
“In my first term I sang Al Green. In my second term, I’m going with Young Jeezy,” President Obama joked, addressing his wife Michelle Obama, when he added, “I sing that to her sometimes.” Jeezy was pleased to hear that President Obama was a fan, replying on Twitter. “Shout out to @BarackObama,” he wrote, “You know they love the snowman in the white house.”
Paul Budnitz, best known for inventing Kidrobot toys, now lends much of his aesthetic skill and art-toy sensibility to creating boutique bicycles. This latest No. 3 Honey Special Edition from Budnitz Bicycles pays tribute to classic vintage Dutch constructions, adding large 29-inch German retro cream tires for greater speed and power. Shock-absorption is enhanced with a lightweight No. 3 cantilever steel frame, and a clean carbon belt-drive offers single speed or 11-speed internal transmission. The bike is then beautifully finished in gloss black, with a honey-leather Brooks titanium saddle and matching leather grips. Handmade in the USA with parts by Chris King, Velocity, Thomson and Paul Comp, this special edition is now available at Budnitz for $3,100 USD.
Rio de Janeiro’s Vidigal community is known for having one of the most amazing views in the entire city. However this week, they got a glimpse of something completely different: French moto trial athlete Julien Dupont riding and jumping over the walls and alleys in an unprecedented two-wheel challenge inside the community.
Many of you will be occupied in your living room this weekend watching the NBA playoffs, at the same time the Jordan Brand will release new colorways for three players: Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Dwayne Wade with home and away versions for each players signature shoe. The Jordan CP3.V (White/Sport Red-Treasure Blue and Sport Red/White-Treasure Blue) and Melo M8 (Anthracite/White-Team Orange and Anthracite/White-Varsity Royal) will arrive at retail on May 9 while the Fly Wade 2 EV (White/Black-Metallic Silver-Gym Red colorway and the Stealth/White-Cool Grey) is set to hit stores on May 16.
DOIN’ IT IN THE PARK: Pick -Up Basketball NYC, a film by Bobbito Garcia & Kevin Couliau, explores the definition, history, culture and social impact of New York’s summer basketball scene, widely recognized as the worldwide “Mecca” of the sport. With 700+ courts spread out amongst the city, and notable names from the past and current scene like Dr. J, God Shammgod, Kenny Anderson, Pee Wee Kirkland, Tim “Headache” Gittens and Corey “Homicide” Williams, it’s estimated that New York boasts 500,000+ streetballers. Garcia and Couliau traveled to over 180 courts in the five boroughs in the making of their debut documentary film. DOIN’ IT IN THE PARK: Pick-Up Basketball NYC is expected to be released this summer barring a debilitating ankle injury.
Following the 20-second teaser that debuted on April 3rd, Nike’s 60-second “Fast Is Faster” commercial, above, was shared first via Twitter and Facebook yesterday, with the broadcast debut in the first round of the NFL Draft on ESPN between the first and second picks. The “Fast is Faster” campaign showcases Nike’s new team uniforms for the NFL.
Virgin Atlantic Airline is offering its customers a see-before-you-buy approach with Planeview, a virtual tour that lets customers view the new Upper Class Suite before purchasing a flight complete with luxury services. The tour of the new suite displays a 360 degree view together with a series of Youtube videos that detail all of the design highlights.
Award-winning spacious leather seats recline 50% more than standard seats and the jet features the longest full flat bed, 87-inch of bed surface, that makes sleeping in the air notably more comfortable.
