The Kentucky Wildcats just won the 2012 NCAA Men's College Basketball Championship, and put a cap on another stellar season in New Orleans this past Monday night. While one season ends, another has just gotten underway for Major League Baseball this week.  Angels of Anaheim pitcher ( & California native and Pepperdine grad) Dan Haren still has hoops on his mind, as he recently attended a Lakers game with fellow Angels Ace Jered Weaver.  Harren can afford the break, as he's had an impressive Spring training on the hill.  With recently acquired superstar Albert Pujols on the squad, the Angels are about to take flight.  The Angels home opener is tonight against the Kansas City Royals, and if the aforementioned starting pitcher Jered Weaver has any trouble, you know his Pan Am pal will be there for the save.

[caption id="attachment_10399" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="HARREN (L) TAKING FLIGHT IN ORB PAN AM SHIRT (Christian Peterson/Getty images)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_10458" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="WELCOME ABOARD FOR A NEW SEASON."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_10444" align="alignleft" width="181" caption="Appears on every garment"][/caption] Acclaimed actor, author and philanthropist Ashley Judd and the popular Original Retro Brand have joined forces to launch an exclusive vintage inspired clothing line for the famous University of Kentucky grad.  The Original Retro Brand Ashley Judd collection features a variety of women’s fitted premium t-shirt and sweatshirt styles paired with coveted images from authentic vintage University of Kentucky graphics  The collection will be sold at retailers including the University of Kentucky Bookstore, Alumni Hall and Fan Outfitters throughout Kentucky as well as online at www.originalretrobrand.com. A celebrated actor and die-hard University of Kentucky fan, Ashley Judd has starred in 20 films, both box office hits and critically acclaimed independent films, and on Broadway.  Judd has also been an active advocate of humanitarian efforts throughout her adult life, the passion for which she discovered during her undergraduate years at the University of Kentucky.  While attending college, she majored in French and minored in Anthropology, Art History Theater and Women’s Studies and graduated from UK’s Honors Program.  Ashley is presently starring in "Missing," a new drama for ABC that premiered this spring. As a devoted UK fan, Ashley can often be seen in the stands passionately supporting her UK Wildcats and has been a main stay for years during their much hyped March Madness appearances.  She demonstrates in the gym and in her life that her enthusiasm as a UK fan runs deep.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="259" caption="Devoted!"][/caption] Ashley commented: “I have great passion for UK. It brings back so many wonderful memories about my life on campus, as well as cherished family stories about generations of my family supporting the Wildcats and higher education.  I am very excited to be working with Original Retro Brand to launch this special apparel line.  The images are inspired by my impressions from the 1970’s, listening to my grandparents, aunts, and uncles talk about the Big Blue, their wonderful t shirts from that era and UK images around the Commonwealth.  Original Retro Brand has captured exactly what I envisioned for this collection in terms of style and quality celebrating the history and spirit of UK pride.” [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="236" caption="Enthusiasm runs deep"][/caption] “We are thrilled to partner with Ashley to create a collection that will immortalize her love of her college roots and the faithfulness of the Wildcat spirit.  We have always admired Ashley from afar, not only her talents on the big screen but also her unwavering commitment to being a true to heart UK fan.  That kind of alumni love and loyalty is a perfect fit for our brand," added Marc Herman, owner of The Original Retro Brand. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption=""Exactly what I envisioned""][/caption]

About The Original Retro Brand

The Original Retro Brand is a premium, fashion-forward, apparel company that combines iconic graphics with the comfort of the softest, sexiest, best fitting t-shirt in the world.  The apparel collection is proudly designed and manufactured in the historic Fashion District of Downtown Los Angeles, California and continues to offer the best in quality apparel for fashionistas and sports fans worldwide.  The extensive assortment of sports and pop culture graphics includes licenses with over 300 collegiate institutions, the National Hockey League, Minor League Baseball, Wolfgang's Vault (Bill Graham's Rock and Roll poster art), Pabst Brewing Company, Vintage Pepsi and Dr. Pepper.  The Original Retro Brand is carried in over 1,200 U.S. locations at the likes of respected retailers such as Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, RONROBINSON/Fred Segal and Kitson boutiques.

[caption id="attachment_10443" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Ashley on the set of "Good Morning America.""][/caption]

FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.

AND tigers?  Ok, Josh Hopkins, who portrays Grayson Ellis on the ABC comedy hit Cougar Town, attended Auburn University so that makes him an Auburn Tiger (War Eagle?), right?  Well, he was born in Lexington, Kentucky FIRST, and all natives of Lexington, Kentucky are born with Big Blue in their veins!

[caption id="attachment_10403" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption=""Kentucky Basketball is getting all the press but Kentucky football gets all the chicks.""][/caption] While Hopkins has stated for the record that the Kentucky Wildcats are his favorite basketball team, and he will no doubt be cheering the Cats tonight as they go for their 8th NCAA Men's title, he does have an affinity for Kentucky Football and other things, as noted in a recent tweet above (shirt by Original Retro Brand). Be sure to check out the website tonight following the big game as we'll have official 2012 National Championship "Victory" gear available for the winning team.   We know who the cat above is rooting for....

[caption id="attachment_10380" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="10. Palm trees and Party like it's 1999. Oh, the Huskies won."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_10381" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="9. Fab 5 wasn't sleepless in Seattle."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10383" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="8. King me! Crowning achievment for the Hogs first and only title."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10384" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="7. First & only non-Wooden title for UCLA"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_10387" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="6. Louisville would like to make it 1980 all over again. Maybe Kenny & Robin will bring them good luck.."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_10388" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="5. 50th anniversary of the Championship nice for Danny Manning and Kansas. 2012?"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_10390" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="4. Appropriate logo for long shot long horse # 8 seed Villanova who went on to win it all!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_10391" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="3. Phife Dawg from "Tribe Called Quest" down with UNC in 1993. "][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_10392" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="2. "Don't Give Up . . . Don't Ever Give Up." "][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_10393" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="1. Magic meets Larry. Still the highest rated College Basketball game ever."][/caption] Will we be adding the 2012 winner to the list?  YES.  We will be adding a 2012  Championship shirt to our Victory line for the winner, so get ready....

[caption id="attachment_10367" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="2.5 NEW REGISTERED VOTERS IN 2008."][/caption] An initiative started by Rock The Vote last spring, Democracy Day (www.democracyday.com) is a celebration of Rock the Vote's Democracy Class and civic education in high schools annually on March 23rd.  Last year, more than 1,000 educators in all 50 states taught their students the importance of voting and registered them to vote with Democracy Class. The second annual Democracy Day is today, and in honor of it, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rock The Vote's Marketing Manager, Caitlin Maguire, about her involvement and a whole lot more. Andy:  What is it about Democracy Class, and Rock The Vote in general, that seems to be so effective in getting young people to register to vote (The statistics are staggeringly positive; 2.5 million filled out a voter registration application through Rock The Vote in 2008)? Caitlin: Young people are very passionate when it comes to what interests them most.  Rock The Vote's job is to make politics one of these interests.  We've done this by combining politics and music, which many young people are passionate about before we get a hold of them.  By integrating music, politics,and popular culture into programs like Democracy Class, we aim to make politics something interesting and relatable for young people.  We find that when their favorite artists partner with Rock The Vote and speak to young people directly about the importance of their participation, it resonates and helps to turn them out on election Day.  We also make sure to reach out to young people through their usual communication channels like text messaging, e-mail, Facebook and Twitter. I've been with Rock The Vote for just a few short years, and have been fortunate to attend several events including a Democracy Class event at Arletta High School in Los Angeles.  Cali-Swag-District (Teach Me how to Dougie) was on hand to perform and talk to students about the importance of registering to vote.  They also led discussion about issues that matter most to the students.  California Secretary of State Debra Bowen also spoke.  The event was a perfect storm of Pop Culture & Politics as they came together in a positive way, and really excited the students of Arleta High.  Many civic programs have been cut from high schools, so Democracy Class is a great way for educators to bring civics back into their classrooms in an exciting fashion. Andy: It's easy to see why you are so successful, and I'm encouraged to see how Rock The Vote has overcome the apathy of younger voters.  Perhaps older folks (my 52 year old self included), should give younger folks more credit? Caitlin: Absolutely you should!  The enthusiasm and willingness of younger people to get involved has only increased over the years.  You pointed out the high number of young people who registered to vote in 2008, which is a great testament.  Young people are affected by everyday issues too, and the burdens they carry and changes they want to see has caused them to realize the importance of their participation in our political process. Andy:  I've been deservedly put in my place (At least I have heard of Teach Me How To Dougie)! I know you've had the opportunity to travel a bit and mingle with other artists.  Can you tell us about any of them, and what about any of the higher profile politicians? Caitlin: I was lucky enough to hang out with Passion Pit. I love them, so that was just amazing.  Like all of the bands & artists we work with, they were fantastic in accommodating us in every way.  In 2010, they were gracious enough to let a Rock The Vote staffer tour with them as they performed at college campuses.  At each show, the staffer had college students sign a pledge that they would vote in the mid-term elections.  It was really effective and a great reminder for the students to vote on Election Day. At our Rock the Caucus event in Iowa, I had the opportunity to meet 3 GOP presidential candidates:  Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, Michelle Bachmann, as well as Mitt Romney's sons. The most memorable part, personally for me, was getting to meet them one-on-one while they waited to go on stage and speak to the seniors at West Des Moines Valley High School.  I was there when the candidates had a rare opportunity to actually relax for a short time, and it was really special and cool to see them without any guards up - No airs.  It was just refreshing to see. Andy:  Alright, you got me on Passion Pit, but I do know the Republican Candidates!  Not only are you having fun, you are accomplishing great things.  What is it you find most rewarding about your job? Caitlin: Educating young people about politics and having a hand in helping them to register and turn out for elections is a wonderful reward.  I can be so busy that sometimes I really do need to step back and appreciate the position I'm in of helping my peers everyday.  Being able to work on so many different interesting things like concert promotion, social media, and partnership development has been so eye-opening.  I definitely don't take it for granted and am really fortunate to have a career that includes my two passions of politics and popular culture. [caption id="attachment_10373" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="CAITLIN TRULY COOL AND STYLISH!"][/caption] Andy:  Well, we're certainly thankful to you for taking the time to talk with us today, Caitlin.  Before I go however, I have one more question.  The Original Retro Brand is proud to be a partner with Rock The Vote, and I'm curious to hear your thoughts on our Rock The Vote line? Caitlin: It's been my pleasure to talk with you Andy!  Our team here at Rock the Vote loves The Original Retro Brand/Rock the Vote t-shirt line.  The apparel is truly cool and stylish - something we always look for when we're being represented.  I think Original Retro Brand's sensibility is far from boring, and really hits the mark with our audience by delivering cool and funky colors, styles, and graphics.  My Original Retro Brand Rock the Vote shirt is so cool.  I get complements on it wherever I go! Thanks to Caitlin one more time for joining us today! We also encourage you to go online and find out more about Democracy Day and Rock The Vote! If you’re a big fan of the Original Retro Brand, and want to be featured for an interview,  please forward a picture of yourself wearing Original Retro Brand gear, and a brief description of what you do for a living and/or what you do that you think people might find pretty interesting to ahyman@originalretrobrand.com If we like what we see, you may be contacted for an interview.  We’ll even send you an Original Retro Brand T-Shirt if we decide to post your story! FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.

Andy:  That's a definite life changer if I ever heard one.  Having worked for traditional media like the aforementioned LA Times, and Daily News, do you find the atmosphere or experience to be entirely different working for ESPN & CBS Sports online entities, or is it more similar than one might think? Sean: Writing for big wigs like ESPN and CBS Sports is fun, no doubt about it.  In this day and age, there's more creative freedom than ever.  Having a bigger say, content-wise, is a plus.  It's not like it was working for the newspapers, where it was more nuts-and-bolts reporting.  Still, working in that industry for 10-plus years served me well.  I learned about journalistic integrity.  Also, if you're not first, your last, that was always a big thing at The Times and Daily News.  Newspapers were the start.  ESPN and CBS Sports, I consider a pit stop, of sorts.  No rush, mind you.  I'm content, more than happy.  The finish line is the last thing on my mind right now.

[caption id="attachment_10286" align="aligncenter" width="446" caption="NO TIME FOR THE FINISH LINE."][/caption] Andy:  Let's go back to the starting line, then.  As a kid, did you foresee yourself becoming a sportswriter?  How'd you end up in the profession? Sean: It's funny, as a youngster during the formative years, my mom always told me to quit watching sports and go mow the lawn on the weekends.  Front and back, mind you, and we had a decent size house so that chore was a pain in the you know where....  Anyway, I'd fight tooth and nail, anything to finish watching a particular game and not have to tend to my responsibilities.  Eventually I gave in and handled my business.  Me and Moms still share a laugh about those times.  To answer the second part of the question, I'll try to make a long story short.  I was taking journalism classes at Pierce Junior College on the outskirts of Los Angeles and met an editor from the Daily News.  I started taking stats.  Then answering phones and filing photo's.  The grunt work.  Didn't matter back then, I was just happy to be doing something that I loved.  Same thing can be said about my job today. Andy:  Didn't Bill Simmons answer phones and run food errands for the Boston Herald in High School?  All the best sportswriters start doing the grunt work!  You know how overcrowded the blog-o-sphere and sports coverage in the media is out there.  You've managed to separate yourself and stand out.  What advice could you give to others aspiring to find a niche in this saturated situation? [caption id="attachment_10293" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="A CHAMPIONSHIP STORY IN THE MAKING?"][/caption] Sean: Never give up.  Keep plugging away.  Regardless of how many times the door is shut in your face, stick your foot in the way before it closes and the handle is locked.  Demand another opportunity.  Make the employer call security and escort you off the premises before taking no for an answer.  Be persistent, in a tactful manner, of course.  And when given a chance, make the most of it.  Be accurate.  Double-and-triple check your facts and sources.  Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help.  I did it, more times than I can count, to the point where it was embarrassing.  That, however, is how you learn and grow. Andy: I wonder how many of our readers will end up in handcuffs?  Outside any run-ins with security, that really is great advice Sean!  You spend plenty of time at a keyboard and in the press box.  Alot of that time is spent wearing the Original Retro Brand.  What is it you like so much about our apparel? Sean: Great style.  Great comfort.  I love the old school design of the gear and the fact my t-shirts feel like one of those pieces of clothing you've had forever and are not willing to part with just yet.  My friends always clown me, they're always giving me a hard time for wearing my Syracuse shirt (Sean grew up loving Cuse hoops with Derrick Coleman, Sherman Douglas & Stephen Thompson).  My response to them:  The Original Retro Brand gear is in heavy rotation these days. Thanks for your time Sean, and good luck against Wiscy Thursday night! Aside from ESPN & CBS, Sean also puts in work for SLAM Magazine.  Follow him on Twitter @seanceglinsky If you’re a big fan of the Original Retro Brand, and want to be featured for an interview,  please forward a picture of yourself wearing Original Retro Brand gear, and a brief description of what you do for a living and/or what you do that you think people might find pretty interesting to ahyman@originalretrobrand.com If we like what we see, you may be contacted for an interview.  We’ll even send you an Original Retro Brand T-Shirt if we decide to post your story! FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.

Get your Big Dancing shoes on for the Sweet 16 party!  Use code SWT16 @ checkout, and you'll receive 16% Off Original Retro Brand's FINAL FOUR and more! Take 16% OFF All College apparel, Victory & John Wooden Collections, and all Final Four gear! Don't sit on the bench too long, or foul out - This sale ends at tip-off time this Thursday night, 3/22/12 (7:15 est).

[caption id="attachment_10262" align="aligncenter" width="491" caption="USE CODE SWT16 @ CHECKOUT!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10264" align="aligncenter" width="473" caption="TRY A BRACKET PACKET"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10267" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="ENTER CODE SWT16 @ CHECKOUT?"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_10270" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="WILL IT BE FIRST TIME CATS WIN TITLE SINCE '98?"][/caption]

ENTER CODE SWT16 @ CHECKOUT, & RECEIVE 16% OFF ALL COLLEGE, FINAL FOUR, VICTORY, & JOHN WOODEN COLLECTION APPAREL.  SALE ENDS @ 7:15 EST THIS THURSDAY 3/22/12.

We love RideThePine.com mainly for two reasons:  1) Their perennial pine warmer, Alex, loves our gear and plugs it frequently.  2) Alex also fills in as a guest blogger for Andy on those days when Andy can't think of anything worth a $%&# to write about, or is taking another long nap during business hours. Today is one of those days. We begrudgingly confess that Alex actually has a good take from time to time (today is one of those days), so check out his latest, and get some good advice on your Brackets before the Madness really gets underway. [caption id="attachment_10239" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="WE RECOMMEND THE SHIRT (not the shorts)"][/caption] That vid actually lives up to RTP's mantra; Sports. Funny. On days Alex isn't filling in over here, please check him out on RideThePine.com. Thanks for the plugs Alex, and Love the shirt (mamby pamby powder blue puffy shorts not so much)! Who do you think will win it all?  Check our new poll by scrolling right, and place your vote ------> Lastly, If you haven't filled out enough brackets yet, I have one more for you! It’s the Original Retro Brand’s 2nd annual Bracket Ballers Challenge Alex mentioned in his clip.  It’s free to enter, and the prizes are $400, $200, and $100 worth of ORB apparel respectively for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place.  Cutoff to enter is tomorrow, 3/15/12, at Noon eastern so click this link and go for it! http://bit.ly/xpei72 GOOD LUCK! FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG (above the Polls over there on the the right!), LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.

An extra hour of sunlight thanks to daylight savings, March Madness tip-offs, and St. Patrick's Day all in the same week.  Life's grand, ain't it?  I think you'll find this list of our TOP TEN TOURNEY T's grand too.  The criteria for making the list has no rhyme, and very little reason as you will see.  The little reason is just for fun.

[caption id="attachment_10199" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="10. DUKE BLUE DEVILS - Creepy = Cool. That is one creepy dude. Vincent Price was a Blue Devil? "][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_10193" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="9. GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS - The GT men may have tanked this year, but the #4 seeded Lady Jackets make tanking look good. That's the BUZZ on the street."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10194" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="8. NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH - They may not make it past South Dakota State, but with St. Patrick's day and all...."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10196" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="7. TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS - The Lady Vols rifle their way to another title."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10201" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="6. LONG BEACH STATE 49ers - "THE BEACH" are no bums. The Big West Champs have a guard named Peter Poppageorge. That, and a mean ol' cowboy with a pick axe get them into this TOP TEN."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10205" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="5. MISSOURI TIGERS - What in the Mizzou? There's no crying in basketball (baseball, really..), and there's no pants in TOP TEN T-shirt lists. Well there is today. These Tiger bottoms are the tops!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10209" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="4. TEXAS LONGHORNS - Always like to steer folks in the right direction. Hook up with this hoops Hook 'em!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_10210" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="3. SYRACUSE ORANGE - Will the # 1 seed have to con-seed without 7 footer Fab Melo? Zip it. The hoodie, that is. Boeheim's boys and the CUSE can still fleece the field."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10211" align="aligncenter" width="220" caption="2. MURRAY STATE RACERS - How far can they go? How about a Sweet 16 for this cute couple?"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10222" align="aligncenter" width="392" caption="1. SHOW ME YOURS, I'LL SHOW YOU MINE - You can fill this one in yourselves."][/caption] Have you filled out every available bracket known to man and womankind yet?  I have one more for you! It's the Original Retro Brand's 2nd annual Bracket Ballers Challenge.  It's free to enter, and the prizes are $400, $200, and $100 worth of ORB apparel respectively for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place.  Cutoff to enter is Thursday, 3/15/12, at Noon eastern so click this link and go for it! http://bit.ly/xpei72 GOOD LUCK!