The Champions League Final between Manchester United and Barcelona will be played today at 2:25 EST on ESPN. The Champions of England vs the Champions of Spain, Christiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi, it’s a dream final set at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. I’ll be watching on ESPN 360, which by the way, is great.

A good way to get caught up quick, check out these 10 incredible plays (above) compiled by ESPN.

An intimate look at the rise and fall of Iron Mike Tyson, the youngest heavyweight champion ever speaks plainly about his life and boxing in the recently released “Tyson” directed by James Toback.

After watching the movie there is no doubt that Malik Abdul Aziz (Tyson’s Muslim name) is/was the most intimidating fighter in boxing. Before a fight he would walk slowly to the ring, surrounded by his entourage, having already broken a full sweat, with no robe or sweatsuit, pounding his gloves together over and over hoping to push his knuckles closer to the surface of the Everlast leather. On top of that, the speed and power of his combinations was plain frightening. You can see the fear on the face of his opponents.

The film is comprised of a few long interviews cut and mixed together with footage from fights, training, the early years with Cus D’Amato and some of Kid Dynamites more, ehem, candid moments. The story is told solely through Tyson’s point of view and oftentimes he speaks directly into the camera creating an eery dynamic for the viewer. The fact that the director, Toback, and Tyson are friends helps Mike to open up a bit more than usual to speak truthfully about his success and misfortune. For someone that, at times, might have seemed a bit delusional to some, Tyson is surprisingly so matter of fact when describing his troubled youth and career. Especially interesting is his commentary during fights later in his career when he starts to lose.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a more entertaining and insightful documentary this year. Now playing in NY and LA, be sure to catch it if it comes your way. More info at Tyson.

There is no doubt that the Inter Milan manager, José Mourinho, often referred to as The Special One, is one of the more stylish professional coaches in the world (especially when compared to some of our NFL coaches like Bill Belichick in his cut off sweatshirts). Always dressed a well-fit suit, tie, scarf or some variation of that, I was surprised to learn that he works with Armani, or as he puts, “I have a commercial relationship with Armani. The scarf is their scarf.”

Although he rubs a lot of people the wrong way, his talent as a coach is undeniable. After taking his native FC Porto to the top of the Champions League in 2004 and winning consecutive Premier League titles with Chelsea in 2005 and 2006, Morinho and Inter Milan have a chance to advance to the Quarter-Finals of this years Champions League by winning or scoring at least one goal in a draw Wednesday against rivals Manchester United.

Continue reading at the NYTimes.

Images by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

A few weeks back I met my childhood hero, his airness, Michael Jordan, for the launch of his Air Jordan 2009. Moving away from the roman numeral naming system, which fittingly stopped with the XX3, the Jordan Brand’s new naming convention will differentiate yearly releases—so next years will be the Air Jordan 2010.

A new innovation, Articulated Propulsion Technology (APT) is incorporated in the sole of the sneaker and is said to ensure a responsive feel on the court, while satin pleats and holograms add a very Jordan-like fashion statement. The world-wide release is marked for mid-February during the NBA All-Star Weekend. Purchase it for $190.

Last week I caught up with the Chicago-native and lead designer on the Air Jordan 2009, Jason Mayden (pictured above left). Starting as a design intern with the Jordan Brand, Mayden worked his way up the ranks and now proves to be a pivotal figure with the company going forward. A charismatic individual who works hard, keep an eye out for things to come from Mr. Mayden.

What was the inspiration for this shoe and how is it different than the past 23 varieties?
The way MJ played defense along with martial arts and fencing were the main inspirations for the shoe. I was also inspired by the luxury and sophistication of high fashion along with individuality and complexity of Chihuly blown-glass. I believe that the AIR JORDAN 2009 is the next chapter of the brand and a total embodiment of what we can do as a brand.

Why fencing?

Fencing is human chess–the ultimate defensive sport. It’s about positioning and moving your opponent so that you can overcome and defeat him. This is the way that MJ played defense. A lot has been made about his high-flying dunks and the 55 that he put on the Knicks in the Garden, but few people remember that he was an INCREDIBLE defensive player. He was on the all NBA Defensive First-Team nine times in his career.

How was it, as a Chicago native, to work with his Airness?
Being from Chicago, designing the AIR JORDAN 2009 is a dream come true.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
Creating a new Jordan is like rewriting the US Constitution with each shoe being a living museum. The challenge is that you have to give consumers what they cannot envision. People notice Jordans because they are looking for them.

What are your thoughts on the new Kobe low-top shoe?

Nike is always innovative and on the next level so it doesn’t come as a surprise. I don’t know about low-tops for the NBA, but his viral campaign for the shoe is off the chain. I laughed so hard that I cried when I saw him on top of that horse!

What’s next for you, the Jordan Brand and Jordan 2010?
You are going to have to wait and see. But the AIR JORDAN 2009 is the best thing that you will buy this year.

The NYtimes has an informative video on skateboarding in Afghanistan and an Aussie who’s established the first skate school in Kabul. A girl comments, “We skate because we want to lose our fear and to get courage and to be healthy.”

Check it out on NYtimes Video page.

“He was joking on the starting blocks.
He reacted last to the gun.
He ran against the wind.
He didn’t tie his PUMAs.
He jogged over the finish line.
He broke the world record.
And then he danced.
And reminded us that
Being the best should be fun.”

I love this ad. It’s well done, but I most like the point it makes that “being the best should be fun.” After he broke the world record and won the gold in Beijing the media gave the Jamaican such a hard time for his extended celebration. So he danced around, pointed at his shoes and savored the moment. What’s wrong with that? In my opinion it was not disrespectful in the least. At worst, he improved the Olympic’s ratings on television and was the only interesting portion of an otherwise dull track and field event. 

And seriously, he didn’t tie his shoes and ran 28mph? You can’t front. 

I finally got to check out “Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait” during a recent screening at BAMcinematek in Brooklyn, NY. It offers enlightening insight into the beautiful game through the eyes of one of the best footballers of our time. Whether it’s the soccer or the artistic visual portraiture, “Zidane” is worth seeing for either or both qualities. Check out an in depth review at Cool Hunting.