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Archive for the ‘Running’ category

No school in college football has had more success with running back tandems since Nick Saban took over at Alabama.

After having the top running back selected in the last two NFL drafts, Alabama has become a haven for elite prep ball carriers to step in immediately and carve a path straight to the next level.

The Crimson Tide rode the combo of Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and stud freshman Trent Richardson on its way to claiming a national title in 2009 and then turned the same trick last season behind the powerful duo of Richardson and Eddie Lacy.

This year, Lacy will finally get his turn to take over as the starterbut junior Jalston Fowler and stud true freshman TJ Yeldon will battle it out to fill the backup spot he occupied last season.

Here are four prime reasons why a two-headed monster at running works for the Crimson Tide.

2 days ago 

As many as 13% of motorists have been “driving on empty” in the last three months as fuel prices have soared, a survey has shown.

It is younger motorists who are the ones mostly driving with the petrol warning light flashing, the poll by breakdown service Green Flag revealed.

A total of 25% of 18 to 34-year-olds have been driving on empty in recent weeks, while 4% of all motorists have completely run out of fuel in the last 12 months, according to the survey.

Based on responses from 2,014 adults, the poll also showed that 13% have set out on a journey feeling nervous about running out of fuel.

The survey also indicated that Britons are spending an average of £27.20 a week on fuel, with expenditure the highest in Northern Ireland (£32.78) and the lowest in Yorkshire & Humberside (£24.56).

The two areas where motorists are driving on empty the most are North East England and Wales, followed by the East Midlands and the West Midlands.

Green Flag spokeswoman Miranda Schunke said: “These ‘vapour trailers’ running on empty pose a serious threat to themselves and other motorists. Running out of fuel on a busy road increases the risk of being hit by other motorists and those who have run dry awaiting assistance by the side of the road are also leaving themselves unnecessarily vulnerable.

“Rising fuel prices and the general costs of living are contributing to motorists understandably changing their driving habits but we urge everyone to think about their petrol consumption for their own safety and other road users.”

Copyright © 2012 The Press Association. All rights reserved.

RALEIGH, NC (WECT/WBTV/AP) Democratic North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue will not seek re-election this year.

The first-term Perdue said in a statement Thursday, I am announcing today that I have decided not to seek re-election. I hope this decision will open the door to an honest and bipartisan effort to help our schools.

Perdue went on to say that she is not one to back down from fights, but believes if she were to run again it would only further politicize the fight to adequately fund our schools.

[Read Perdues entire statement]

Im sad, just as Im sure a lot of North Carolinians are, said former campaign manager Louise McColl. Ive known Beverly since she was in the state house. I was with her when she decided to run for governor, was with her when she ran for lieutenant governor, so its a sad day for a group of us that really care and know how dedicated she is to this position.

McColl said she was a little surprised at the news Thursday. She had heard a rumor floating around over a week ago, but said it was about 50/50 as to whether she would do this or not.

Perdue became North Carolinas first woman governor in 2008, but has not been extremely popular in recent polls.

McColl, however, thinks Perdue has done a good job in office with the hand she was dealt.

I think shes been able to accomplish some of the things she wanted to accomplish, said McColl. I also think she inherited it. We had a bad economy she came in to. No matter who you want to blame, the governor didnt just make the economy go bad in North Carolina.

Former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt said Perdue helped him start Smart Start.

I remember her hard work as a member of the Appropriations Committee in the state senate, said Hunt. Shes been a great friend of community colleges and the university and I wish her the very best in her future.

Perdue was heavily involved in trying to create jobs and improve the film industry in Wilmington.

If you look at the film industry and what shes done for southeastern North Carolina, and I know that shes tried and tried to keep that going film is huge here in Wilmington, and a lot of that is because of Beverly, said McColl.

President Obama, too, is praising Perdues decision, calling her a barrier breaker during more than 25 years in elected office.

Obama released a statement Thursday congratulating her for her historic tenure as North Carolinas first female governor and lieutenant governor, wishing her and her family well.

The president said the fellow Democrat has worked to improve the states public schools and health care and to create jobs in emerging fields and for the military.

Despite her accomplishments, Perdue faces continued budget troubles and a campaign investigation while Republicans took over the Legislature last year.

Perdue announced last week she would offer a budget this spring that would seek a sales tax increase for education. Republicans let a temporary sales tax increase expire last summer.

The research firm Public Policy Polling has already weighed in on the potential impact on the governors race this year.

PPP says former US Senate Candidate Erskine Bowles may have the best chance of any Democrat against former Charlotte Mayor and Republican Pat McCrory, who plans to run for governor.

A poll of hypothetical match ups conducted in October showed Bowles and McCrory tied at 42%.

If McCrory ran against Lt. Governor Walter Dalton, he would have an advantage of 46-32. McCrorys odds increased against State Representative Bill Faison at 45-30.

Even before Perdue made the announcement, NC Governor Jim Hunt thought there will be a very competitive race for governor. He thinks it will be even more interesting now that Perdue is not seeking re-election.

I dont know whos going to run on the democratic side, but I suspect a lot of people will be interested, explained Hunt. North Carolina is a two party state and thats good for us and I hope the Democratic candidate will stand up and really push on education.

Several government officials released statements Thursday in regards to Perdues announcement.

President Barack Obama:

As the first woman to serve as North Carolinas lieutenant governor and governor, Bev Perdue has never been afraid to break barriers. For over 25 years, she has fought for the people of the Tar Heel State – working to transform the states public schools, improve the health care system, protect and attract jobs for members of the military and their families, and create the jobs of the future. Michelle and I want to congratulate Gov. Perdue on her historic tenure, and we wish Bev and her family well in the future.

The Republican Governors Association:

Its now clear that the past four years of having a Democratic governor in North Carolina have been a failure. North Carolinas lost ground to its neighbors, and now has the worst unemployment rate in the region. Its never been more clear that North Carolina needs a Republican governor who will bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to the governors office, Executive Director Phil Cox said.

Former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory:

My message has been and will continue to be that we must fix our broken government and broken economy and put our North Carolina resources back to work. Thats why next week I plan to announce my intentions to seek the honor of serving as North Carolinas next governor.

Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton:

I am the only candidate who has run and won statewide and I look forward to waging an aggressive campaign. Elections are about choices. As a state we must decide the direction in which we will turn. With this campaign, I choose to look ahead to a brighter future. I choose progress. I choose a future where public education is the foundation of our economy.

Republican National Committees Political Director:

Bev Perdue rode into the governors mansion on the coattails of Barack Obama and now that he is doing so poorly in North Carolina and across our nation, she realized there was no chance of being re-elected. Barack Obamas failed economic policies and broken promises are hurting our nation with every day that passes and with Bev Perdue bailing on North Carolinians, the path to 270 electoral votes just got much longer. No matter who emerges from the long, tough primary between the Democratic candidates ahead, North Carolinians know they cannot afford another four years of the Barack Obama economy, said Rick Wiley, RNC Political Director.

North Carolina Democratic Party:

Bev Perdue has been, and will continue to be, an outstanding Governor. She has fought to create jobs and protect funding for our children and our public schools. Her leadership and her willingness to make tough decisions — has kept our state afloat during the toughest economic times since the Great Depression. Because of her efforts, companies have created nearly 90,000 jobs, and made investments worth more than $19 billion here in North Carolina. Gov. Perdue believes that it is essential to reverse the Republican legislatures cuts to education, but the Republicans continue to fight against adequate school funding. She recognizes that running for re-election will only further politicize the fight to protect North Carolinas children and the future of our public schools. She hopes that her decision to not run will open the door to an honest and bipartisan effort to help our schools. I know that this was an intensely personal choice for her. While we are disappointed, we understand and respect her decision. Make no mistake about it, the Democratic Party will have no trouble selecting a strong gubernatorial candidate and we are confident we will win the governors race next November, said North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman David Parker.

US Senator Kay Hagan:

Governor Perdue deserves the states sincere gratitude for her many years of public service.During times of extraordinary economic stress and budgetary pressures, she continues to vigorously pursue priorities near and dear to the hearts of generations of North Carolinians, including expanding and improving education at every level and a tireless pursuit of new businesses and jobs for the state.

I am especially heartened to hear she will devote her remaining time in office fighting to ensure that the children of North Carolina receive the affordable, quality education mandated by our state constitution.

The Governors office plays an important role in resisting those in Raleigh who wish to abandon North Carolinas well-earned reputation as a state with its eyes firmly and pragmatically on the future.Whether the issue is access to the ballot box; a commonsense jobs-creating business climate; robust support for our military and veterans and their families; or the guarantee of a first-rate education, the Governors office often provides a critical moderating counterweight to the backward-looking forces of extremism elsewhere in state government. North Carolinians will surely keep this in mind as they choose the next governor in November.

Chairman Robin Hayes:

Governor Perdues decision today is not shocking. Perdues economic agenda was defined by her desire to raise taxes on all North Carolinians. The numerous scandals and failures of leadership are well documented and caused people to lose faith in her abilities to lead the state.

With multiple Democrats now openly speculating that they will run, North Carolinians will observe the tax-dollar primary. Whoever decides to raise the most taxes will probably win their nomination, and will be defeated next November.

The North Carolina Republican Party has made one thing very clear: any attempt to raise taxes on families in this state will be met with fierce resistance.

House Minority Leader Joe Hackney:

Gov. Perdue will leave office with a reputation as a good governor who managed this state through a difficult time. Despite the financial circumstances of our state, though, she kept a focus on education. She realized that education moves our state forward and moves our people forward. She never forgot that and it was at the core of her time as a legislator and in the executive branch. I am grateful for her service to our state and wish her well.

Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx:

Governor Beverly Perdue deserves our gratitude for guiding our state in very difficult times, and for being a good friend to the City of Charlotte. Her decision not to run for re-election came as a surprise to me, Mayor Foxx said. I remain focused on Charlotte and the substantial work ahead. I will spend the coming weeks talking with my family and friends about how I could best serve our city and state, and I ask the public and media for some patience as I work through those conversations.

NC President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People:

She has taken seriously her oath to uphold the constitution, which requires those in government to govern for the good of the whole, to protect and strengthen public education, to create economic vitality, to protect civil rights, to ensure equal protection and racial justice under the law … When she had to choose between what was good for North Carolina children and all of its citizens, and what was good for her own career, she took the road of principle. This is how history will record of the legacy of the first of many women governors we will have, said Rev. William Barber.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

CHICAGO, Jan. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
Research Down Syndrome (RDS), a nonprofit foundation that is among the leading sources for funding of Down syndrome related cognitive research, is entering the second year of its national running program, Race for the Extraordinary, to help increase public awareness and funding for Down syndrome research. The mission of RDS is the development of safe and effective therapies to address the intellectual difficulties associated with Down syndrome.

Building on successful marathon and other race events during 2011 in major cities, including New York City, Chicago and San Diego, RDS is expanding its running program to greatly increase its research funding, and has been accepted as a charity partner in multiple marathons across the country. Shorter fun races are being organized as well. “We are grateful for the enthusiastic support we received in events during 2011,” states Dr. Robert Schoen, RDS President, “Our goal is to support persons with Down syndrome by significantly increasing our fundraising in 2012.”

Advances in Down syndrome research have led to such progress as the recent initiation by Roche Pharmaceuticals of a Phase 1 clinical trial to investigate the safety and tolerability of a molecule designed to address the cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with Down syndrome. The RDS Race for the Extraordinary initiative will add increased support for such research.

In recent decades, improved health care, expanded education and community opportunities, and the support of families and advocacy groups has improved the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome. As a result, Dr. Schoen notes, “Over the past 30 years, the life expectancy of those with Down syndrome has more than doubled — underscoring the importance of development of treatments that will assist this population to achieve and maintain independent living.”

Down syndrome is the result of an extra copy of the genetic material present on chromosome 21. It is the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormality, with an incidence of approximately 1 of every 700 live births. Currently there are an estimated three million persons with Down syndrome worldwide, including approximately 400,000 in the United States. The extra chromosomal material impacts the body’s and brain’s normal development and manifests differently in each individual, including physical traits such as short stature and low muscle tone, and health conditions such as congenital heart defects and hearing deficits.

Further details, including how to register for races in which RDS Runners are participating, are available at RDS’ website
www.researchds.org .

About Research Down Syndrome

Research Down Syndrome (RDS) is among the leading sources of private funding for Down syndrome related cognitive research. RDS supports and funds Down syndrome cognitive research conducted at leading research institutions that are studying the basis of the intellectual impairments associated with Down syndrome – including Johns Hopkins University; Stanford University; University of Arizona; University of California, San Diego; University of Texas, Austin; and VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Research Down Syndrome is a legal corporate entity, and is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization designated by the Internal Revenue Code. For more information, go to
www.researchds.org , or contact RDS: info@researchds.org or 877.863.2121.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.Robert Schoen, PhD

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=94121

SOURCE Research Down Syndrome

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

Josh Tapper

Staff Reporter

As the H4 subway car followed its final curve into Kennedy station on Friday, a gaggle of teenagers pressed their iPhones and point-and-shoot cameras to the glass of the lead car.

For these TTC enthusiasts, chattering loudly over the car’s ominous rumble, this was a historic moment: the final ride of one of North America’s longest-running subway cars.

After 35 years plying the Bloor-Danforth line, from Kennedy to Kipling, the last H4 — (in)famous for its burnt-orange vinyl benches, faux wood interior and lack of air conditioning — was retired Friday, bound for the scrap heap at Greenwood Subway Yard.

As the train pulled up to the platform, Alex Rampaul, who over the course of the entire two-hour round-trip journey roamed the lead car informing unwitting commuters of the car’s significance, bellowed a boisterous eulogy.

PHOTOS: A subway named retire

“Out of service and decommissioned!” he exclaimed. “This is the end! It’s the end of an era! H4, we’re going to miss you so much.”

To Rampaul and his fellow trainiacs, the ride was steeped in nostalgia. And with a looming battle between TTC chair Karen Stintz and Mayor Rob Ford casting a pall over Toronto’s 58-year-old transit system, the Friday trip was an opportunity to celebrate.

TTC chief operating officer Andy Byford marvelled at the dozens of (mostly male) passengers who made it down to the Kennedy platform for the subway’s 7:45 a.m. departure.

“If an old train goes out of service, there’s such enthusiasm that comes out,” he said, noting everyone was well-behaved — no vicious part stripping like he’s seen on final subway rides in London and Sydney.

Andrew Crawford, a 20-year-old Ryerson student who waited on the platform 15 minutes before the H4 arrived, said the final run fed his fascination with underground rail.

“Remember when you’re a kid staring out of the subway window? I’ve never grown out of that,” he said.

Since late last year, the Bloor-Danforth H4s, which operate on a camshaft control system, have been phased out in favour of T-1 series models and the flashy new computerized “Toronto Rocket” cars, currently used on the Yonge-Spadina line. H-series subway cars, built by Thunder Bay-based Hawker Siddeley Canada, joined the TTC fleet in the mid-1960s.

In 2000, 44 H4s were retired, followed by 38 in 2011 and the final six this year.

The 1970s clunkers not torn apart and sold for scrap will turn into service cars.

Over the years, the H4s received a fair share of flak, not least from passengers suffering in stifling summer heat. But Robert King, a 30-year-old lifelong Torontonian, praised the cushioned benches, even if they are the colour of rotten cheddar.

“Now riding the train is going to be a literal pain in the ass,” he said, referring to the red fabric-on-metal seats in newer cars.

But not all were sad to hear of the H4’s junkyard destiny.

“I’m glad they’re discontinuing,” said Allister Thompson, who rides the line each morning from Coxwell to Yonge. “They’re out of date, they seem less roomy.”

While the ride was an opportunity for aficionados to meet, snap pictures, kibbitz about TTC service changes and its H4-less future, some wrapped themselves in melancholy.

The H4 was getting junked, and it wasn’t coming back.

“Yep, this is the final day,” Rampaul sighed.

Nearby, William Busuttil stared onto the tracks and responded:

“I kind of wish it wasn’t.”

TTC Ridership: Now and Then

1977

Ridership: 348,707,000

Stations: 54 (subway, streetcar)

Kilometres of track: 45

2010

Ridership: 477,357,000

Stations (subway, streetcar, Scarborough RT): 69

Kilometres of track: 68.3

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The first argument often voiced by Michael Medved is that since elections are won in the middle (and there is no doubt that at least in a sense they are) the best way to assure victory is to choose the most centrist of the available candidates.amp;nbsp;

If Medved is right and defeating Barack Obama trumps all of your other concerns then Mitt Romney is your guy.

I disagree with Medved and I also disagree with this lame writer that Mitt Romney is the most centrist of the candidates. In 2008 Mitt Romney was the most conservative candidate that conservatives like me rallied and coalesced around to try to stop John McCain. Then all of a sudden, according to the media#039;s narrative, Mitt Romney is the most moderate candidate in the 2012 race, despite the fact that his platform from 2008 to 2012 is identical and hasn#039;t changed one iota.

What changed between 2008 and 2012 instead was the medias narrative, which depends on the sentiments of the nation. The sentiments of the nation this time around is to elect the most conservative candidate. Therefore, since the media always manipulates the election towards the most moderate candidate to win, it is reversing the narrative this time around and mis-portraying Romney as being the most moderate candidate and Gingrich as being the most conservative candidate, which isn#039;t hard to do since Romney is from liberal Taxachusetts and Gingrich is from the South, although he#039;s resided in Washington DC suburbs for decades because he is a professional career politician and Washington insider maintaining offices on K Street. However, just the opposite is true, Romney is the most conservative candidate and Gingrich is easily the most moderate candidate.

Indeed, of the three viable Republican candidates, Paul doesn#039;t count, Gingrich is the only one that is pro-amnesty. In fact, Gingrich is saying that any conservative that doesn#039;t support amnesty for illegal immigrants lacks humanity. In other words, conservatives that believe in the rule of law lack humanity. Does that sound like a conservative?

He is also the first Republican in history to resort to running bogus Alinsky like anti-capitalist attack ads to attack a fellow Republican, the free enterprise system, Bain Capital, and Mitt Romney, where he either paid off the people appearing in the anti-capitalist attack ad or deliberately misquoted them out of context without their prior knowledge or consent. Under normal circumstances Gingrich#039;s blasphemy would result in his excommunication from the Republican Party, but the lamestream media is covering up for him instead.

Meanwhile, Gingrich also teamed up with the lamestream media to launch coordinated Alinsky like class warfare attacks against Romney because Romney wouldn#039;t release his tax return in the middle of January like Gingrich was demanding and because like most Americans he hadn#039;t received back all his necessary forms yet to file his taxes.

However, that didn#039;t matter as the lamestream media tore into Romney with a vengeance demonizing him as being a mega rich corporate raider and evil capitalist predator who maintained Swiss bank accounts and Cayman Island investments, and never mind the fact that Romney#039;s money is locked away in a blind trust that he doesn#039;t control, that like most people he hadn#039;t received all of his paper work necessary to file his taxes yet, that it would be extremely poor strategy to release his tax returns so early in the game and open himself up to unnecessary attacks from the left, that Rick Santorum and Ron Paul likewise weren#039;t prepared to release their taxes either, but nevertheless it wasn#039;t an issue for them. Only for Romney because Gingrich demanded he release his tax returns in coordination with the lamestream media in the middle of January.

Anyway the lamestream media in coordination with the Gingrich campaign relentlessly demonized Romney as an evil vulture capitalist and mega rich predatory corporate raider with Swiss bank accounts and Cayman Island investments until his poll numbers dropped precipitously and Gingrich ended up winning South Carolina, which is supposed to be the bell weather state.

In any event, the entire South Carolina fiasco was nothing but a gigantic lamestream media manipulation campaign waged against Romney in favor of Gingrich, because Gingrich is the least conservative candidate in the race. Not only that but Gingrich is also a career politician and Washington insider, and the lamestream media wants business as usual to continue in Washington DC. Hence, the last thing the lamestream media wants to see is a Washington outsider like Romney who may shake things up in Washington DC get elected, because they have a vested interest in maintaining business as usual in Washington DC.

Apparently, this lame a$$ writer is part of the media manipulation campaign or otherwise he is an easily manipulated loon.

Detroit Lions interview Boise State running back Doug Martin at Senior Bowl

Published: Friday, January 27, 2012, 12:00 PM

Russian officials have barred liberal opposition leader Grigory Yavlinsky from running for president against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin because of alleged problems with his registration forms.

The central elections commission said Friday that about 25 percent of the signatures gathered to back Yavlinsky#039;s candidacy were invalid.

Yavlinsky, leader of the Yabloko party, said the decision was made to help those in power win the presidential elections in March.

(( OPTIONAL SOUNDBITE GRIGORY YAVLINSKY in Russin)

The essence of this decision is to create mostly comfortable conditions for the current team in power and mostly comfortable conditions to hold presidential elections. As result of it, the decisions made are significantly increasing the gap between society and the authorities, the decisions are significantly lowering the citizens#039; trust in those authorities which will be formed as a result of the elections.#039;#039;

On Monday, Yavlinsky said a ban on his candidacy would insult tens of thousands of protesters who have recently taken to the streets of major Russian cities to demand political reforms and fair elections.

Alexei Mitrofanov, a lawmaker from Just Russia party, expressed a similar sentiment.

Yavlinsky has electoral support, he should be allowed to participate, but they don#039;t want it because the election scenario is ready, that is the (Russian Prime Minster Vladimir Putin#039;s) victory in the first round, and a candidate such as Yavlinsky disturbs the balance of votes, which are probably well counted beforehand, and that#039;s why nobody needs his participation.#039;#039;

The 59-year-old economist needed to gather 2 million signatures to qualify to run against Mr. Putin, the overwhelming presidential favorite. The signatures were required because Yavlinsky#039;s Yabloko party failed to win any parliamentary seats in disputed December elections.

The head of the central election commission, Vladimir Churov, defended Russia#039;s voting system, saying it has been improved to ensure fairness and transparency.

We launched the modernization of the election system, which was offered by (Russian President) Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev four years ago. You know that more than 5,000 polling stations were equipped with electronic voting devices and, for the first time ever, with the system of constant Internet transmission of the vote counting procedure. For the first time, seven parties got a lot of (free) airtime for their TV campaigns as well as 17 full pages in newspapers each.#039;#039;

In Washington, a spokeswoman for the State department said the United States is disappointed with Russia#039;s decision to deny Yavlinsky the right to run in the presidential election.

Open political competition requires that electoral laws be applied fairly to all parties and candidates. Russians, like Americans and people everywhere, seek free, fair, transparent elections and a genuine choice when they go to the ballot box.

If Mr. Putin regains the presidency, the 59-year-old leader could serve two more six-year terms and remain in power until 2024. He was first elected president in 2000 and held that post until 2008, when he assumed the post of prime minister due to term limits.

This is a rush transcript from Hannity, January 25, 2012. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.

SEAN HANNITY, HOST:And this a Fox News Alert. Tension reigned in Arizona tonight. President Obama touched down in Phoenix a short time ago and he was greeted by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, but things were far from cordial.

This is the true story of a pair of shoes and how they changed my life.

I know! Just like Cinderella!

It was the spring of 1981. I’d just had our first baby, and I was seriously out of shape.

How out of shape was I? People, I was so out of shape that I had to hail a cab just to borrow a cup of sugar from our neighbor, Joy, who lived in the apartment across the hallway. Not only that, but the mere act of hailing that cab left me panting with exhaustion. I’d collapse in a nearby chair and moan, “Hailing cabs is such hard work!”

Then one day, my dad showed up at our door with a pair of running shoes.

“Here,” he said, handing them to me, “try these on.”

They were Nikes. Air Pegasus, to be exact. And I’d never seen anything like them before, what with their thick-cushioned souls and sleek fabric uppers.

OK. I’d grown up wearing sneakers — Keds if I was feeling fancy and knockoffs from JC Penney for everything else, including Ms. Ercanbrack’s seventh-grade gym class, where we did squat thrusts (true!) every morning to The Turtles singing “So Happy Together.” But the instant I slipped on the Nikes, I knew I’d soon be thanking my sneakers for the memories and then asking them to move out. For good.