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Tag: 2024 Trends

  • Sports Technology That’s Revolutionizing Sports in 2024 – Tech and Training – Southwest Journal

    Sports Technology That’s Revolutionizing Sports in 2024 – Tech and Training – Southwest Journal

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    Technology and sports colliding is the age-old tale of a grand spectacle of innovation, drama, and, of course, a hefty dose of skepticism. 

    In 2024, the terrain of sports tech is as dynamic as a high-speed tennis serve, seemingly breaking the sound barrier with its advancements. But let’s cut through the hype and take a cheeky peek at what’s shaking up the world of sports and technology that might change how we view it forever.

    The Players in the Game

    The Players in the Game

    Before we jump into the deep end, let’s get our bearings straight. From fans perched on their couches to athletes sprinting on the track and the coaches strategizing behind the scenes to the support staff making it all happen, technology in sports is a big deal for a lot of people. 

    Each stakeholder has skin in the game, and technology is the wild card promising to up the ante. In sports and entertainment, platforms like JallaCasino are becoming increasingly popular among fans, offering a digital playground that mirrors the excitement and competitive spirit found in the physical realm of sports.

    The Tech Line-Up

    Tech Innovations Transforming the SportingTech Innovations Transforming the Sporting

    Gadgets

    Wearable tech isn’t just for Silicon Valley enthusiasts anymore. Athletes are decked out with the latest fitness watches, heart rate monitors, and sports helmets that look like they’ve been ripped right out of a sci-fi flick. 

    These aren’t just fashion statements; they’re the coaches’ eyes and ears on the ground (or, more accurately, on the athlete). These gadgets are also awesome for statistical measurements of the athletes’ performance. They can track the progress and advancements in training, which is super important for taking everything to the next level.

    Behind the Scenes

    The backbone of sports tech is less visible but no less revolutionary. GPS sensors, VBT (Velocity-Based Training) sensors, and sleep tracking devices are gathering data faster than a sports commentator spits out statistics. 

    This data isn’t just for show—it’s changing the game in ways that might not be apparent right from the get-go, but long-term, is very important.

    Injury Prevention

    Remember when a ‘good rub’ and ‘walking it off’ were the go-to remedies? Welcome to 2024, where sports medicine and injury prevention tech, like advanced mouthguards and helmets, look to keep athletes in play rather than in recovery.

    The Digital Referee

    VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and GLT (Goal Line Technology) are ensuring that the only controversies left in sports are whether pineapple belongs on pizza (it doesn’t). Fairness is finally getting a fair shot.

    However, technology such as VAR created tons of controversy, especially in sports such as soccer. Many fans and analysts believed that VAR was disrupting the flow of the game and creating unnecessary pauses.

    Still, this was the case when the technology was implemented initially, and since then, many have changed their minds and accepted the advantages it brings to the table.

    Virtual and Cognitive Training

    Virtual reality isn’t just for gamers. It’s carving out a niche in athlete training programs, offering simulations that are as close to the real thing as you can get without the risk of injury. 

    Cognitive training technology, meanwhile, is ensuring that athletes’ minds are as fit as their bodies, enhancing decision-making skills under pressure. It is another step in the right direction, as it prepares athletes for specific situations they might experience on the court.

    The Business Side of Things

    Navigating the Commercial Terrain of Tech In SportNavigating the Commercial Terrain of Tech In Sport

    Involving the Digital Fanbase

    Digital fan engagement tools have transformed spectators into active participants, making watching sports a 360-degree experience. Apps and platforms have brought fans closer to their teams, fostering a sense of community that spans the globe. 

    The viewing experience was never better, and one of the shining examples of this technology is, for example, the NBA app that allows viewers to spectate the game as if they were courtside. Basketball has never looked better.

    Sports Analytics: A Data-Driven Approach

    The sports business is booming, thanks in part to advancements in data analytics and sports tech. Hawk-eye sensors and instant replay technology are ensuring that every move is monitored, analyzed, and, yes, debated in forums worldwide.

    This also gives analysts chances to analyze games on a deeper level and get statistics insights they were not able to before.

    The Training Room of the Future

    The Futuristic Training ArenaThe Futuristic Training Arena

    Virtual Reality

    From the NHL to the NFL, virtual reality training is becoming mainstream. Platforms like Sense Arena are offering over 50 drills to sharpen skills, with endorsements from sports legends like Patrik Elias highlighting their impact.

    As I already mentioned, this is a quality-of-life improvement for athletes who want to improve their game in different areas.

    Robotics

    FORPHEUS, the ping-pong-playing robot, and the Mobile Virtual Player (MVP), a robotic dummy for football practice, are not just novelties. 

    They represent a leap toward safer, more efficient training methods that challenge athletes in new and innovative ways. As the tech advances, these robots and dummies are getting better and present more challenges to athletes, therefore, giving them more opportunities to grow.

    Wearable Tech and Smart Clothes

    Wearable technology has become more than a trend; it’s a tool that enhances athletic performance through leaps and bounds. 

    Real-time sensors provide instant feedback, making training sessions more productive and personalized. This allows athletes to improve their abilities in areas in which statistics and analytics lead them.

    Exploring the global landscape of athletics, it becomes evident how advancements in sports technology have played a pivotal role in shaping the triumphs and popularity of various athletic pursuits.

    The Bottom Line

    So, is the integration of technology in sports a revolution or just a flashy distraction? Well, it seems the answer is a bit of both. For every groundbreaking advancement that promises to change the game, there’s a healthy dose of skepticism. Yet, one thing is clear: the world of sports in 2024 is more connected, more fair, and, dare I say, more exciting than ever.

    While the purists may argue that technology is taking the soul out of the game, the pragmatists will point to enhanced performance, injury prevention, and engagement opportunities as undeniable benefits. 

    In the end, whether you’re a fan, an athlete, or part of the vast support network, the fusion of tech and sports is creating a new playbook—one that’s being rewritten with each passing season.

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    Petar Senjo

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  • Top 10 Gardening Trends for 2024

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    The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society recently shared a press release with their top 10 gardening trends for 2024. Despite living in Ohio I follow the PHS closely on social media because they are the fantastic organization behind the Philadelphia Flower Show, which I have been honored to attend in the past. It is am amazing experience and a great way to get a new gardening season off to a fantastic start. They are a national leader for the gardening community and typically have an eye for trends. According to PHS…

    “These 2024 gardening trends are based on what we have seen by attending conferences, exhibitions, visiting countless personal and public gardens, and conversations with professionals. They are a fantastic way for gardeners to get inspired and get a feel for what professionals at the forefront of this industry are doing in their own gardens. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned expert, these trends and plant selections can breathe new life into your space in an approachable way,” said PHS’s Vice President of Horticulture, Andrew Bunting.

    You can read the full release here but I thought I’d share their trends for 2024 and give my own thoughts on each.

    1)    Considering the environment as you garden

    This trend includes gardening practices that put the environment first. As part of PHS’s ethos of “Gardening for the Greater Good,” gardening can promote environmental stewardship. This includes movements such as “Leave the Leaves” in the fall help reduce landfill waste (which I love), using battery operated blowers and mowers instead of gas, creating habitats for overwintering insects, turning lawns into meadows, opting for peat-free planting mediums, and buying native plants. I do all of this and more in my own garden and have for years, so I am thrilled that I was way ahead of this trend. I’ve even been known to take the bags of leaves my neighbors collect to save them from the landfill!

    2) Growing fruit at home

    Growing fruit at home has gained popularity for both those with yard space and container space. I currently grow apples, pears, paw paws, figs, serviceberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, honeyberries, lemons, limes, and currants. I love all the options you have with limited space. I only have half an acre. PHS gave some specific options for those with limited space below…

    PHS Recommends: For those with yard space, Asian persimmons like Diospyros kaki ‘Saijo,’ ‘Fuyu,’ or the native persimmons, Diospyros virginiana, and the native pawpaw, Asimina triloba have been gaining in popularity as alternatives to the more traditional pears, apples, and peaches. For gardeners who want to try container fruit gardening, new options include high producing, compact, ornamental, and self-pollinating plants for the home garden such as Bushel and Berry® blueberries, the Fignomenal® dwarf figs, and Sweet Kiss™ strawberries.

    3) Decorating with houseplants

    Houseplants continue to dominate as a source of décor while the term “plant parent” is now a common term! I’m not much on indoor plants unless they are seedlings that will eventually be taken outside but I do admire those who have thriving indoor collections!

    PHS Recommends: Popular houseplants in 2024 include the easy to care mother-in-law’s-tongue, Sansevieria (syn. Dracaena) and the popular low-light loving, unique foliage aroids (Monstera, pothos, AnthuriumEpipremnumAlocasia and Philodendron). The popular brand Proven Winners has introduced lifestyle house plant collections (Leaf Joy® Atrium™ Collection and Leaf Joy® Cocoon™ Collection) that take the guesswork out of figuring out ideal conditions for plants, offering easy-to-access information to ensure plants thrive.

    4) Achieving ecological certifications

    Several organizations recognize home gardens with ecological certifications. I myself have had two gardens certified as National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Habitats. It’s a fun way to ensure you are gardening with best practices for the planet and for wildlife and also be recognized for your small contribution. Most offer a cool plaque you can display to show your hard work and dedication.

    Some other programs include:

    Home Grown National Park
    Monarch Watch Waystations Habitat Registration
    Penn State Extension Service Pollinator Friendly Garden

    5) Planting pollinator friendly gardens

    Pollinator gardens provide habitat and food for native pollinating bees, wasps, moths, and butterflies, including the iconic monarch butterfly. I love that providing them with food and water sources and places to overwinter has become the trend. I hope it also becomes the norm. I know there used to be a big disconnect in my own garden when I rarely grew flowers, just food. Once I started growing flowers on a massive scale, everything just thrived.

    PHS Recommends: Adding pollinator attracting plants such as Pycnanthemum, mountain mint; Eutrochium (syn. Eupatorium) Joe-pye weed; Liatris, gayfeathers; Echinacea, coneflowers and Asclepias, milkweeds will increase the diversity of garden pollinators.

    6)    Mitigating global climate change

    By planting more heat and drought tolerant southern native species, gardeners can help counteract the impacts of changing weather patterns, including increases in periods of drought and much hotter summers. Strategically selecting species for drought tolerance, as well as adopting waterwise gardening practices, as well as utilizing gravel gardens, rain gardens, or swale gardens are tools that can be used to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

    This just makes good sense too. No one wants a garden that is dependent on constant care and watering. Its expensive, time consuming, and no one likes a diva. Drought tolerant and native planting areas should be a huge focus.

    PHS recommends: Options include Mexican dogwood, Cornus florida subsp. urbiniana. Other good choices for likely heat and drought tolerant genetics include Magnolia grandiflora, southern magnolia, the willow oak, Quercus phellos and the Florida anise, Illicium floridanum

    7)    Using substitutes for boxwoods

    Boxwood blight is an ongoing fungal issue for many gardeners. I am also not a fan of the spider mites they attract. I have opted to get rid of my own boxwoods but if I do decide to add some in the future I will look into the resistant varieties they recommend.

    PHS recommends: Some great substitutions include alternate evergreens such as inkberry holly, Ilex glabra Strongbox®, Gem Box® and Proven Winners®, and Squeeze Box®. Additionally, boxwoods that are bred to be resistant to blight are being promoted by Better Boxwood® such as Skylight™, Renaissance™, Heritage™, and Babylon Beauty™.

    8)    Planting more grasses and sedges

    Still not a huge draw for me but I know they are VERY popular among many gardeners.

    PHS recommends: Some top performing sedges include the Wood’s sedge, Carex woodii; Cherokee sedge, Carex cherokeenis; common brome sedge, Carex bromoides; white-tinge sedge, Carex albicans and the ever popular Pennsylvania sedge, Carex pensylvanica. Some new grasses from famed grass hybridizer Brent Horvath at Intrinsic Perennials include two selections of the little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Little Red’ and ‘Sandhill’ and the big bluestem, Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’ and ‘Holy Smoke.’

    9)    Growing Hydrangea mania

    I adore hydrangeas and have 20 different varieties. My personal favorite is Hydrangea paniculata because they are more drought and heat tolerant and prefer full sun.

    Plant Options: Growers are responding by introducing several new varieties that emphasize stunning color variations and the ability to find a hydrangea for any garden space. Bailey Nursery’s First Editions® Hydrangea macrophylla Eclipse® features stunning purple-black foliage and contrasting pink flowers. From Star® Roses and Plants, Hydrangea paniculata Sweet Starlight™ is a new compact selection that is perfect for the small garden or container.

    10)  Enjoying a taste of the tropics

    Tropical plants are popular in the garden for their seasonal large and luxuriant foliage. This impact in the temperate garden creates a tropical-like feeling throughout the summer and into the fall, and offers up vibrant splashes of color, bringing a taste of the tropics home. I just started growing some tropicals myself this past year, elephant ears and cannas. They are currently overwintering in my basement.

    Plant Options: There continues to be many great tropical plants coming to garden centers including two new elephant ears, Colocasia esculenta Redemption™ and Pharaoh’s Mask™ from Plants Nouveau®.  There are a host of great new bold foliaged begonias with great leaf patterns including Jurassic rex begonias, Begonia rex Curly™ and the Shadow King® series. The Hollywood® Hibiscus, Sun Parasol® Mandevilla and Canna Cannova® Red Golden Flame and Bronze Peach are great new tropical plant introductions.

     

    ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
    The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), an internationally recognized nonprofit organization founded in 1827, uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia Region. PHS programs create healthier living environments, increase access to fresh food, expand access to jobs and economic opportunity, and strengthen deeper social connections between people. PHS’s work spans 250 neighborhoods; an expansive network of public gardens and landscapes; year-round learning experiences; and the nation’s signature gardening event, the Philadelphia Flower Show. PHS provides everyone with opportunities to garden for the greater good as a participant, member, donor, or volunteer. For information and to support this impactful work, please visit PHSonline.org.

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    Tiffany

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