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Have You Seen This? How NFL footballs are made
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The New York Times interviewed recently retired Jane Helser, who worked for Wilson for nearly 50 years and sewed footballs day in and day out. Helser gives us some insight into how these balls are made, but she also gives us a very small peek into what we may have thought was just a run-of-the-mill career, but something about her sincerity and energy makes us realize that theres something in her story thats special. - photo by John Clyde
THE FOOTBALL FACTORY With Super Bowl Sunday just days away and Deflategate still making waves what better time to get an inside look at how NFL footballs are made.

The New York Times went into the Wilson Sporting Goods factory and got a first-hand look at the handmade NFL footballs.

It may not sound that interesting and the making of the footballs themselves really isnt, but its the story thats told in this video thats worth the trip.

The New York Times interviewed recently retired Jane Helser, who worked for Wilson for nearly 50 years and sewed footballs day in and day out. Helser gives us some insight into how these balls are made, but she also gives us a very small peek into what we may have thought was just a run-of-the-mill career, but something about her sincerity and energy makes us realize that theres something in her story thats special.

Helser didnt revolutionize the football-making industry nor was she the voice of Wilson, but shes just a humble, hard-working American. Theres something refreshing to see the leather balls that drive the multimillion-dollar contracts and billion-dollar stadiums and the tiny hands that created them.

This may seem a little too sentimental over a four-minute video about making footballs, but watch it and I think youll find something special in there as well.
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Video shows skier tumble 1,600 feet down mountainside
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While shooting a ski film in Alaska, pro skier Ian McIntosh took a terrifying tumble down the side of a mountain. - photo by Grant Olsen
ALASKA A new video on YouTube is attracting lots of attention for pro skier Ian McIntosh. In the short clip, McIntosh loses control while skiing along a ridge and plummets more than 1,600 feet down a mountain in the Neacola range of Alaska.

According to a report from NBC News, the accident occurred earlier this year when McIntosh was in Alaska participating in the filming of a ski and snowboard movie called Paradise Waits. The film was produced by action sports media company Teton Gravity Research, and they posted the video to their YouTube channel last Thursday.

Teton Gravity Research gave additional details of the frightening event in a recent blog post. McIntosh was following a route hed prepared for, but lost control after falling into a five-foot trench.

"From there, my slough took over and their was no way to stop, McIntosh is quoted as saying in the article. I pulled my airbag to help prevent against any possible trauma injuries as I tumbled to the bottom.

In the blog post, Teton Gravity Research co-founder Todd Jones describes it as the most terrifying crash I've ever seen.

As he skidded and cartwheeled down the mountain, McIntosh lost one of his skis. When he finally came to a stop, he is heard on the videos audio announcing that hes OK.

A company spokesman Eric Henderson confirmed the outcome to NBC News, saying that McIntosh was able to walk away from the crash.

If youd like to see more footage of McIntosh in action, youre in luck. According to the Teton Gravity Research website, Paradise Waits will premiere in Provo at the Tanner Building Theater Friday. Tickets are $13 at the door and the show starts at 7 p.m.
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