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Product Review: Adidas Predator Instinct FG Cleats

July 13, 2014 / Jason Zingale

Two months ago, we wrote about the new collection of Battle Pack cleats that adidas unveiled in conjunction with the 2014 World Cup. And with two adidas-sponsored teams ready to battle it out in today’s World Cup Final at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, we figured it was as good a time as any to take a closer look at one of the five styles available: the Predator Instinct.

The latest version of the popular Predator line has been worn by several top players throughout the tournament (including Germany’s Mesut Özil, Brazil’s Oscar and USA’s Graham Zusi), and that’s because it’s arguably one of the best soccer cleats on the market. Along with a HYBRIDTOUCH synthetic leather upper that offers premium softness and light weight without sacrificing durability, the shoes feature a transparent, firm-ground outsole with a control frame that’s more flexible and thus more responsive.

But what sets the Predator apart from adidas’ other styles are the five control zones located on the top of the cleat that are designed for more power, swerve and contact. Each raised zig-zag pattern (or “zone”) is made of a next-gen SL rubber that allows you to make the ball move in ways that’s an absolute nightmare for goalies. Additionally, adidas has upgraded the gel pad located on the instep that improves grip and control for a better all-around touch of the ball.

Though we weren’t crazy about the tribal war paint design of the Battle Pack collection when it was first announced, they’re a lot more attractive in person, particularly the Predator, which isn’t nearly as flashy thanks to its white-on-black color scheme. Of course, it hardly matters what the shoes look like if they perform on the field, and the new adidas Predator Instincts don’t disappoint in that department. Whether or not they’ll give Özil and his German teammates the edge they need to take down Lionel Messi’s Argentina is another matter entirely, but there isn’t a better stage to showcase these awesome cleats than the biggest sporting event in the world.

The adidas Predator Instinct Battle Pack cleats are available now in specialty soccer stores and online at www.shopadidas.com.

Gear, Sports, Stuff to Buy

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Movie Review: “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”

July 11, 2014 / Jason Zingale

Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Toby Kebbell, Keri Russell, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Gary Oldman, Kirk Acevedo

Matt Reeves

It’s always a great feeling to walk into a movie with low expectations and come out pleasantly surprised, as was the case with Rupert Wyatt’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” a prequel that no one was really clamoring for apart from the franchise’s most diehard fans. And yet by proving that it was possible to make a great “Planet of the Apes” film, it raised the bar in the process, creating a whole new set of obstacles for any movie that followed, including whether it could live up to or even surpass its predecessor. But while “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” stands above and beyond the original films, as well as most of the other movies released this summer, Matt Reeves’ much darker sequel is unable to match the emotional resonance of the previous installment, although it certainly tries.

Set a decade after the events of the first prequel, “Dawn” opens in a very different San Francisco from when we last saw it. The Simian Flu (a contagious virus spread by the Alzheimer’s drug that James Franco’s scientist created in “Rise”) has wiped out most of humanity, while the apes continue to thrive in their forest community located on the outskirts of the city. But when a small group of humans (led by Jason Clarke’s Malcolm) accidentally wanders onto the apes’ home turf while searching for a hydroelectric dam capable of bringing power back online, their arrival re-ignites the feud between leader Caesar (Andy Serkis) and right-hand ape Koba (Toby Kebbell), who have vastly different opinions on how to handle the trespassers. Caesar agrees to allow Malcom and his team to stay and repair the generator in order to keep the peace between mankind and apes, but Koba’s deep mistrust leads him to discover that the human survivors have stockpiled weapons in their downtown sanctuary, and fearing that they’ll attack first, he betrays Caesar and leads an all-out assault against the humans.

Entertainment, Movie Reviews, Movies

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All-Pro running back Chris Johnson on staying clean and his secret to long TD runs

July 11, 2014 / Paul Eide

Who knows more about staying clean than New York Jets running back Chris Johnson? One of the fastest players in NFL history, Johnson knows all about bursting through holes untouched and unsullied by opposing defenders.

“CJ2K” is the only player in NFL history with six TD runs of over 80 yards. ( No other player has more than three.) With three touchdown runs of 85 or more yards in 2009 (91, 89, 85), and one in 2012 (94), he’s also the only player in NFL history to register four career touchdown runs of 85 or more yards.

We spoke to him about his partnership with Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser, how it feels to run a 4.24 40-yard dash and his monster 2009 season.

CJ2K! How is Mr. Clean doing these days?

“He’s pretty good. You gotta keep your whips and your clothes clean, and Mr. Clean is all about that.”

I made a mistake the other day. I bought these really nice white Polo shoes – low cut, crisp, the kind you wear without socks. I was looking good. That night, I had an unfortunate incident with a mud puddle on the way home. Guess who was there for me when I needed him the next day?

“Mr. Clean! The Magic Eraser does the trick, every time, especially with white clothes. It’s easy to get dirty and the Magic Eraser makes it easy to clean up.”

Coming out of East Carolina, you were drafted by the Titans and the experts were shocked. But since then, you’ve established yourself as one of the most explosive running backs ever. What bridged the gap and took you from being another fast guy who gets drafted, to being a fast guy who has a solid overall game and NFL career?

“The situation. I always ran track in the offseason and it gave me the opportunity to work on other stuff that comes natural to football; making people miss, my cuts. So I think that was an advantage I had so I didn’t have to work as hard on my footwork.”

Interviews, Lifestyle

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Today’s Military Swords Become Tomorrow’s Civilian Plowshares

July 11, 2014 / Bullz-Eye Staff

What will the hot, new tech of tomorrow be like? As a general rule, we need look no further than the cool tech of today’s military. It is the closest thing we have to a fulfillment of the biblical prophecy that swords will be beaten into plowshares. Unfortunately for the prophecy, we just keep making newer, better swords. All military tech is designed to facilitate blowing things up, right? Not really, but it is comforting to know that at the very least those tools eventually enter the civilian techosphere to facilitate better, fuller, happier lives.

It is almost certain that the Swiss army did not anticipate their multi-function pocket knives becoming the hottest dad gift of a generation. Yet today, what boy-scout pack is complete without one? Other sword-to-plowshare tech includes:

1. GPS
2. Duct tape
3. Freeze drying
4. Epipens
5. Microwave ovens

What will tomorrow’s civilians make of today’s military tech? To get some idea, lets take a look at some of the coolest gadgets intended for the military:

Praselater

I know, I know, It sounds like something from a bad sci-fi movie. But if you think good TV instead of bad movie, what you have is an early version of the Universal Translator from Star Trek. Talk to a person in your language, and they will hear it in their language. Right now, it is being used to say things like, “Put your hands over your head and don’t make any sudden moves!” Eventually, it will be used for asking, “Where’s the restroom?” and “How fresh is the squid?”

Lifestyle

Car Review: 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited Hybrid

July 9, 2014 / Bullz-Eye Staff

There is no doubt that Toyota has been focused on styling with new models recently, and the 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited Hybrid keeps that spirit alive and well. The all-new Highlander is a no-compromise, mid-size, three-row SUV that brings together the best in style, technology, comfort, capability and safety. Its exterior design conveys both refinement and strength, which complements a totally redesigned interior that will raise the bar in its segment. We drove the new Highlander for a week and had the chance to see exactly where Toyota is headed.

EXTERIOR

I first want to comment on the silver sky metallic paint, because so many people took notice of the color and complimented on the appearance and paint for the whole testing period. It’s a very clean color that also looks very modern and stylish. Sophisticated and dynamic, the new Highlander Hybrid features a progressive silhouette, a lower roofline for improved aerodynamics and sculptured side-door panels. The exterior has grown in length by approximately three inches, while width has increased one-half inch, conveying a sleek and strong appearance.

From the front, Highlander’s hood merges with a redesigned trapezoidal grille, wraparound headlamps and deeply chiseled fenders for a more aggressive appearance. The length of the profile, from the front fenders to the rear quarter panels, boldly stands out with sculptured wheel wells at the corners, allowing for prominently protruding wheels. The total package is capped off by a newly designed height-adjustable rear lift-gate with an available one-touch power open/close and driver selectable memory height settings, and taillights and a bumper that exude style and strength. The chromtec roofrails were also a nice touch!

INTERIOR

This is where Toyota has really stepped things up with the 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited Hybrid, delivering a luxurious cabin with more space than appears from the exterior. Toyota engineers raised the bar on interior design for the mid-size SUV segment by adding even more refinement and functionality to the new Highlander and Highlander Hybrid. The 2014 model offers a premium interior highlighted by increased spaciousness for up to eight people, and an array of standard comfort, convenience and technology features.

The new Highlander’s interior utilizes premium materials to offer an upscale experience, with most models featuring standard contrast seat stitching. All Highlanders come equipped with a soft-touch instrument panel and silver-painted, satin and chrome-plated accents that are thoughtfully placed throughout the interior. Wood-grain pattern trim can be found on the front dash and door trim. The Limited grade model we tested adds touches of elegance. Premium fabrics, available smooth and perforated leather-trim seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob add to Highlander’s redesigned upscale interior. The adoption of a high-quality knit roof lining and available second-row sunshades add to Highlander’s refinement and comfort.

Car Reviews, Cars

Toyota Toyota Highlander