Esquire used to have a column I enjoyed called “Women We Love”. (Still might, haven’t picked up the magazine in years). I remember one contribution by English comic Frank Skinner well. Skinner wrote an ode to Sporty Spice, a women who was probably at the bottom of most “best looking Spice girl” lists. (Coincidentally, my brother thinks she is “dead sexy”).

Skinner’s mature response to the column has stuck with me for some time. I read it at the time I realized that it was possible to fall for women that are not universally acknowledged as attractive, the moment when you discover personal peculiarities in your taste in ladies.

While I don’t have a “type” just yet (or perhaps don’t realize I do), I’m unmistakably drawn to women like Juliet Elliott, a feminine tomboy type who rides bikes and looks remarkably cool doing it. She also has three things that always work with me – a charming smile, decent enough tattoos, and super legs. I imagine, also, Ms. Elliott has a good sense of humor.

Aside from riding bikes for Charge (and running Final Agency), Elliott also has a line of lip gloss. I forwarded along a press release related to this line to a friend earlier in the week, suggest that I have a crush on Elliott and might send her an unsolicited love letter. My friend, a charming lady, seemed to think that a sound plan.

I don’t.

As such, I have taken the cowardly approach and made Elliott the first of my own “Women I Love” columns. All of the featured women will be the type that are likely to break my heart (if given the chance) and none will be particularly famous. The major issue with highlighting less than famous women is that I will come off looking like a stalker and a creep.

So be it, I am too old to allow attraction to be completely unheard. And, still too young to accept the pain of out and out, face to face rejection.

The great comedian Sinbad used to have a bit about how Dominique Wilkins would walk into a club and take every girl in the place. I don’t know if that is true. I do know the dude could dunk.

I watched this video last night and got goosebumps. You might not have the same reaction. You should, however, recognize that Mr. Wilkins had some special talents.

This is how to get a haircut…

Produced and shot by my man Jake Green of MVP247. Music provided by the kid Gilbere Forte. Unattractive man getting haircut played by me, Nick Schonberger.

My favorite moment from the World Basketball Festival -

On Saturday, I took some time away from the the hustle and bustle of the court and walked around the grounds of Rucker Park. This young man was playing ball with his father, the two appearing to have a nice day out at the Festival and enjoying the more open community spaces.

Amid all the celebrity and fast pace of the activities, this moment hit strongest. Often, as media covering events, we don’t take the opportunity to experience them as members of the public. There is a reason for that – sometimes their just isn’t time.

I made time on Saturday. I got a haircut at the park (more on that in the future), walked through the interactive sections set up by Nike, and wandered down Fredrick Douglas to get some lunch, some super chicken at Charle’s Pan Fried.

In any event, I caught this little guy playing ball. He seemed to capture the essential spirit of the World Basketball Festival’s intent – Love of the Game. I really hope he continues playing. Hope he rises through New York’s High School ranks, stars at the Rucker, and represents the USA in international play.

I hope he enjoys and pursues basketball in all its applications, just as we did this past weekend.

And, ultimately, I hope he’s remembered as the lasting legacy of Nike’s event in New York.

I’ve been in New York this week to attend various events related to the World Basketball Festival. Presented by Converse, Jordan, and Nike the festival celebrates basketball in all its glory. International teams are playing (in preparation for the FIBA worlds), local legends have helped highlight the importance of hoops in New York communities, and we’ve even seen Jay-Z.

The community pull has been the most important for me. I traveled to Atlanta earlier in the year, and was there privileged to check out Converse’s OPEN GYM. The program provides kids a safe and structured place to play… along with opportunities to engage with players and check out new shoes.

Similarly, the Jordan Breakfast Club works to engage youth in basketball – with a particular focus on dedication, training, and in true Jordan fashion “the love of the game.”

Yesterday, I watched as kids ran drills and took on Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, and Mr. Wade…. and, oh yeah, Mr. Jordan showed up too.

The kids certainly weren’t star struck, but they were all ears and eyes as the players shared their experiences. It was really very lovely to see.

With that, I wanted to share a few images. I can’t take a photo worth a lick, so these are thanks to Nike.

This is the one and only time I will ever mention the NFL.

I like the Redskins.

I like my friends at Fresh Melt Water.

Those guys (Fresh Melt Water) have worked with Redskin Chris Cooley on the official t-shirts for his Captain Chaos character. They are awesome. Buy one if you are from the DMV direct from Fresh Melt Water.