The Brain Type Institute has made Brain Type® assessments on thousands of people--many well-known. Most of these "famous" persons were not evaluated in person but rather by video tape analysis using Brain Typing's methodologies. These evaluations are based on BTI's years of typological, scientific, and empirical studies. Though we believe the appraisals are correct, we do not want them held as absolute—lest people profiled be unfairly judged by those who do not fully understand Brain Types. BTI intends only for the positive application of this information and desires readers to grasp its essence—that each person possesses an inborn design, one of 16 individual Brain Types, which predisposes him or her to specific cognitive, physical, and spatial traits.
For Brain Type comparisons (i.e. ENTP - FCIR) click here.
All articles are authored by Skip, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BTI.
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Thursday, August 14, 2008
Art Monk Joins Hall Of Fame
“I've been accused of being quiet and of not being a man of many words, that's just who I am. I speak when I feel there is a need to. And I'm so speechless right now. I'm not sure what to say right now."
Those are not the words of a genuine Extravert.
Last week former Washington Redskins wide receiver Art Monk and cornerback Darrell Green (FCAR/ENFP) were among six players inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Green and Monk, who was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, were teammates on two Super Bowl-winning teams.
So what’s the hoopla? Namely, Mr. Monk. He was Albert Einstein on the football field … your Arthur Ash of tennis, or your Dikembe Mutumbo of the NBA. That is, Art Monk is a genuine and 'rare' BCIR/INTP (especially in professional sports!), who overcame the statistical odds for his design by going for 940 catches and 12,271 yards with 68 touchdowns during his career. The 50-year-old had an NFL single-season record 106 receptions in 1984, while also setting a former league mark with 164 straight games with a catch.
Yet, he started off slow as an NFL player. The Washington Post wrote that he was "as confused and tentative as a high school student trying to solve his first algebra problem." Hmm … perhaps he actually was doing math problems? ;-) Whatever the case, simply being drafted came as a shock to him. "Being drafted was a surprise to me. I knew I had some abilities, but I didn't know I could compete on this level." Monk applied himself, however, just as he always had in typical BCIR fashion, training hard with hill running, sprints, weightlifting, and racquetball. The result: he was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team after the 1980 season.
But what did we mean earlier by “overcoming the statistical odds”? Namely, BCIRs just aren’t found in the NFL, let alone found excelling in the NFL. In fact, Jon Niednagel over the past 2 decades has yet to find another player with this wiring. For quiet, shy Art Monk, the son of a simple welder and now a fellow leader of Grace Covenant Church in Chantilly to be inducted into the Hall of Fame is nothing short of incredible. He was given a well-deserved standing ovation by everyone in attendance at least week’s ceremonies, and Introverted Art Monk, who spoke of hard work and downplayed expectations for his own career, will long be remembered instead for his outstanding accomplishments both on and off the field.
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Tuesday, June 23, 2008
The Champion Celtics and Brain Typing
As most Brain Typing (BT) followers know, its discoverer, Jonathan P. Niednagel (JN), has been a long-time confidant and consultant to NCAA and NBA legend, Danny Ainge—the Celtics’ GM and Director of Basketball Operations. DA has always been highly complimentary of JN’s assistance to him and the Celtics’ organization. Among JN’s duties, he provides BT insight into each and every player that has interest to the Celtics—including how best to develop them individually.
JN has now consulted for basketball teams in both the NBA and NCAA during the season they won the championship. He assisted the champion UCLA Bruins in 1995—the only year JN ever assisted an NCAA team. (For the past two decades, virtually all of his team consulting in the various sports has been at the professional level.)
It shouldn’t be long before all those involved in athetics, professional and amateur, are critically relying upon BT—especially as its scientific validation is completed. In the meantime, the few who have the privilege to utilize JN’s services are fortunate. There’s new hope for all the rest, however, for we at BTI are presently completing new material and visual aids for broad public use, including sports and non-sports applications.
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Tuesday, June 18, 2008
Death of Tim Russert
Last Friday saw the tragic passing of NBC moderator Tim Russert, who for 17 years hosted the popular show, “Meet The Press.” Russert, an FCIR/ENTP, died of an apparent heart attack as a result of a blood clot. Colleague and former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw (FCAL/ENFJ) broke the news about his death in the same fashion Russert began every episode of his show, with the words "Our issue this sad Sunday morning … is remembering and honoring our colleague and friend." Though a democrat, Tim Russert often attempted to play a balanced role in his interviews, giving tough questions and “separating the men from the boys” (FCIRs love playing devil’s advocate). Russert was 58.
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Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Ainge Named Top GM
Danny Ainge of the Boston Celtics was named the NBA’s Executive (GM) of the Year this past week, an announcement that came with little surprise after having the best one-season turnaround in league history (66-16), and the best overall record in the NBA.
So how’d he do it? People immediately think of his formation of “The Big Three” … that is, the acquiring of Ray Allen (FEAR/ESFP) from Seattle and Kevin Garnett (FCAR/ENFP) from Minnesota to join an elated and open-armed Paul Pierce (BEAR/ISFP). True, but there were more smarts involved to bring these trades about than one might think. Had Ainge not taken the risk of acquiring an aging and injured Ray Allen, Garnett never would have come. It was the crucial second-to-last chess move that finally sealed the deal. Let’s also not forget Ainge’s initial tactical moves of his prior years of key draft picks and trades which accumulated the valuable chips to make the block-buster transaction. Shrewd foresight is fundamental to being a successful GM, and Daniel Ainge has certainly showed himself a capable one. His ESTP Brain Type is the top QB design in the NFL. It has the ability to identify the moment and opportunities better than any, and also has the boldness to take steps the rest of us would never venture. Ainge’s award is well deserved.
Sorenstam Calls It Quits
She’s arguably the best female golfer ever to play the game, but on Tuesday the announcement was made that she wouldn’t be coming back (at least for a while). Annika Sorenstam (FEAR/ESFP) stood out from the crowd, but even more so from a BT perspective. Her big-muscle dominant swing was a spectacle to behold; no one in golf has ever demonstrated it as has she. Annika learned to compact her swing, yet the natural use of her ‘entire’ body was preprogrammed from her ESFP DNA. BTI has evaluated thousands of SFP athletes over the years, and Annika’s swing is an optimal illustration of what they can achieve in women’s golf, accompanied with hard work and proper teaching.
Yesteryear’s loveable and flamboyant golfer, Chi Chi Rodriguez, was also an ESFP. He, too, demonstrated amazing gross motor movements, but his were much more unpolished. Chi Chi’s swing often looked as if he was trying to chop down a tree rather lift a tiny ball off the turf. Nonetheless, he still excelled but not to the degree of the refined-swinging Sorenstam. One thing we do know … FEARs can play their respective sports for a long time, so maybe we’ll see her back again someday.
Henin Calls It Quits
Top-ranked Justine Henin (FCIR/ENTP) decided to walk away from tennis on Wednesday, an announcement that has come as quite a shock. She’s the first woman to retire from tennis while atop the WTA Tour rankings. #1 Roger Federer, a fellow FCIR/ENTP, was equally surprised. “It’s obviously a shock for the tennis world.” In the end, FCIRs are generally dominating the tennis world these days, both in mens and womens tennis.
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Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Opposite Coaches Go Opposite Ways
Yesterday saw some ironic headlines, but only ironic to those familiar with Brain Typing. The one headline … “Riley Resigning as Head Coach.” The other, “Hornets’ Scott Named Coach of the Year.”
So what?
Well, we have exact opposite Brain Types here, which isn’t to say that one always does well and the other always fails. After all, Pat Riley has obviously led a very successful career over the years. Have you ever noticed, however, how stressed he looks? That’s simply because he is. Riley, an FCAL/ENFJ, has always taken coaching very seriously, and as a CA/NF, that seriousness spilled over into great emotion and heart-wrenching anguish. Riley has always been gifted strategically as a long-term planner, but not so much a tactician (good and quick decision maker in the moment). This is better understood by his tendency to rely upon his past basketball experiences and the notes he kept in his lapel pocket to make quicker decisions. Also, Riley desperately tried his best to motivate his players, yet seemingly at the expense of too many words after a while, which right-brainers (Rs/Ps) aren’t usually too fond of (and we all know the NBA is full of those). Even before his final game of the season, Riley gave a speech about the movie Forrest Gump, particularly the portion where Tom Hanks' character spends three years running around the country for no particular reason. "He was leaving his past behind him. And that's what we have to do," he said. "I'm leaving mine behind me. I'm leaving last year behind me. It's been a wonderful experience and it's been a great journey.”
Meanwhile, Byron Scott was voted the NBA coach of the year by a wide margin after winning 56 games with the Hornets, a franchise-record. "This is a very humbling experience for me because this is something you never think about.” One doesn’t have to look too closely to notice the personality differences between Riley and him, with Scott often standing expressionless on the sidelines (though believe me when I say he has passion … no BEIR/ISTP doesn’t). Typically ISTPs are the most intense competitors in athletics, playing or coaching. Their dominant right-brained thinking not only provides them superior spatial logic but also an unparalleled will to win.
Now the playoffs are in full swing, and it should be fun to watch.
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Wednesday, April 9, 2008
NFL Draft "Sleeper"!!
BTI is continually finding in its research things and issues that others do not see. Why? The biggest reason is that we look at each person, first and foremost, according to how God has designed their individual and genetic Brain Type. We then quickly realize what their innate gifts are (mentally and physically), and aren’t.
BTI presently sees an NFL star in the wings while once again, the other ‘experts’ do not. His success is not guaranteed (as is no one’s, due to many extenuating circumstances), but his BT is the number-1 design for NFL QB’s. (Brett Favre, Joe Montana, Manning, Elway, Marino, and the vast majority of the NFL’s all time QB’s have had this inborn BT.) None of the other top-rated QB’s in this year’s 2008 draft have this optimal QB and inborn design. The FEIR/ESTP possesses the best QB vision of all (peripheral awareness, etc.), fine motor dexterity, and right-brained adaptability—just for starters.
Back in the late 90’s, when JN made his prediction that Ryan Leaf would be an NFL bust and that Peyton Manning had the number-1 BT for NFL QB, all the ‘experts’ thought JN was nuts. Even some of JN’s most loyal followers and high-level football coaches told him privately he had gone too far. Leaf was just too good in college to be an NFL bust—regardless his BT.
JN agreed with them based upon how he had seen Leaf perform in college, but his couple decades of BT research convinced him it was not only improbable but impossible for Leaf to perform at the highest level in the NFL. His innate wiring and genetic BT made it impossible. Thus, JN stuck to his guns and the national media wouldn’t let him forget it. That is, until 1 year later.
San Diego Charger quarterback coach, June Jones, thought JN was crazy, too, until he witnessed during Leaf’s first season what JN had told him and others before the Draft. It’s not surprising that now NCAA coach Jones has since become a strong believer in BT.
Who is this potential big-time QB? It’s none other than Tennessee’s Erik Ainge. If he is drafted by a good NFL organization that knows how to develop QB’s and it doesn’t put him in a straight-jacket, don’t consider it a surprise if he becomes their ‘franchise’ QB.
Catch what USA Today says about Ainge in today’s news. At least they can see he ‘could be a bargain.’ JN will go far beyond that. He says he ‘will’ be a bargain, even if drafted in the 1st round! Yet it’s still imperative that the team that drafts him develop and physically protects their budding star in the days ahead. (And by the way, he’ll have no problem with arm strength and mobility.)
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-04-08-draft-gems_N.htm?csp=DailyBriefing&POE=click-refer
Draft Gems: UT's Ainge could be a bargain pick
4-8-08
USA TODAY's Draft Gems profiles under-the-radar players who could surprise and make an impact if selected in the 2008 NFL draft. This installment looks at Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge and Iowa defensive end Kenny Iwebema:
• PLAYER: Erik Ainge, quarterback (current ranking — No. 137)
• Ht., Wt.: 6-5, 225
• College: Tennessee
• Hometown: Hillsboro, Ore.
• Key statistic: Owns second- and fourth-longest streaks without an interception in Tennessee history, throwing 136 and 116 consecutive passes without a pick.
• College highlights: Set Tennessee single-season record for completions (325) as a senior, breaking previous mark of 287 set by Peyton Manning in 1997. Ranks third in school history with 8,700 career passing yards. Closed career as Outback Bowl MVP, throwing for 365 yards and two TDs in Volunteers' 21-17 victory against Wisconsin.
• Upside: Given NFL's emphasis on avoiding turnovers, teams will be attracted to his ability to make good decisions with the ball. Has ideal size with ability to see the field well. Comes from an athletic background. His uncle, Danny, runs the Boston Celtics while his father is a basketball coach.
• Downside: Does well with short passes but may not have a big enough arm to stretch the field. Lack of mobility is alarming. Slowed by minor injuries during collegiate career, which led some to question his toughness.
• What they're saying: "He's got size, vision, arm strength and a tremendous understanding of the game. Of the guys we had a chance to play against and the guys I've seen, I think he matches up with any of them." —Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer
"A lot of teams that run play-action offenses value him because he does a great job protecting the football. He understands the game, sells his fakes and has enough arm strength. But the question is, 'Does he have the elite arm strength to drive the ball down the field in a wide-open offense?' " —ESPN analyst Todd McShay
• Projected round: Four or five
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Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Which ENTJ will become President?
Considering it’s the morning of Super Tuesday (Feb. 5) the question must be asked, “As the field has narrowed to 4 top-tier candidates between the two parties, which ENTJ-FCIL will become the next U.S. President?” Three of the 4 leading candidates are ENTJs and this is not surprising to Brain Typing enthusiasts considering that 6 of America’s last 12 Presidents have had this dynamic and inborn Brain Type (BT). Since the days of FDR, only 1, yes 1 right-brained ‘P’ has occupied the White House and that was LBJ—who inherited the Oval Office not through popular vote but due to JFK’s assassination.
The 3 ENTJs of the 2008 election process include Mitt Romney, John McCain, and Hillary Clinton. (BTI has identified all 3 for quite some time). They are the only 3 of their BT who entered the primaries and, not surprisingly, they’re still standing, and standing quite tall. Up-and-coming Barack Obama is an ENTP/FCIR (like so may of the other candidates who’ve since dropped out). Though youthful, Barack is quite polished for his precocious BT. Despite the odds, he still has a chance to overcome the powerful and steamrolling Clinton Machine.
ENTPs have a chance to win the Presidency in modern U.S. history, but their adaptable and right-brained ‘P’ often becomes a hindrance. Generally speaking, this BT is not as calculating and guarded in its speech which inevitably gets the ENTP in trouble. Neither does the dominant Intuitive ENTP generally fare as well in debate with the dominant Thinking and take-no-prisoners ENTJ. If Barack somehow overcomes the Clinton tempest, he’ll have another daunting battle with his ENTJ Republican opponent. It will be extremely difficult for Mr. Obama to weather the 2 potential battles ahead, but there’s always a chance. After all, he’s a dynamic communicator with avid and organized supporters. If he does somehow pull off a Houdini, he’ll be the first ENTP President in nearly a century.
Of the 3 ENTJ dynamos, Clinton and McCain will certainly hang on until their last collective breaths. Both are exceptionally driven, controlling, and manipulative; they do not take ‘no’ for answers. Throw hubby William C. into the mix (another hard-to-restrain ENTJ!), and the Clintons seem virtually impossible to defeat. But if they allow their heavy-handed ways to become much more evident publicly, they will have shot themselves in the ol’ proverbial feet.
On the other hand, Mitt Romney is an atypical ENTJ/FCIL, genuinely much softer in demeanor and speech than most FCIL-ENTJs. His dominant ‘Feeling’ wife of 30-plus years has clearly done much to mollify the rougher edges of his strong-willed design. Yet unless Mitt can pull a miracle today and beyond, his chances look slim—despite the fact he is by far the most competent to save our spiraling economy which is still far from hitting bottom. Superficial tax rebates and lowering interest rates will not be nearly enough to stem the tide of U.S. and world financial stress.
Though Romney has a highly logical and incisive mind, operating at nanospeed, and can normally outdebate anyone in his path, his religious affiliation has hurt his chances among the evangelicals—which he desperately needs to win the nomination.
America will soon determine its next President, a political choice that will impact its people more than any election in recent memory. If either of the 2 ‘domineering’ ENTJs win, our country and particularly its voters will be in for a rude awakening. Yet believe it or not, based upon BTI’s extensive research over the years, one of these two will be even more domineering than the other.
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Monday, December 14, 2007
Heisman Trophy Winner
H
e’s humble, handsome, and has one hallelujah of an arm. Yes, this year’s Heisman trophy winner is none other than Florida Gator quarterback Tim Tebow, the first sophomore EVER to win the award. He has a heart of gold, and the character of a saint (no surprise, for Tebow has worked and preached at his missionary parents' orphanage since he was 15). In addition, did you know he’s the first Heisman winner who was home-schooled? (Boy, his mom must not only be intelligent, but she must also be a gamer!)
Now comes the big question … “What’s Tim’s Brain Type?”
For being as good as he is, perhaps you’re thinking Tebow’s an FEIR/ESTP. Think again. Notice his warm and charming smile. Notice his puppy-dog persona. Such isn’t characteristic of the more nasty-edged, sometimes cutthroat FEIR.
Here’s a clue. At only twelve years of age, Tim could throw a football some 50 yards while kneeling on one leg. Huckin’ a football a country mile in this position requires more than arm strength: it also requires gross motor prowess. Even novice Brain Typists should know there’s only one particular Type group known for their whole body strength … the EA, or SF. Next, is Tim right brained, or left? Just look at him on the field. For a big dude, he’s amazingly athletic and graceful. Notice the way he talks—fast and just a tad bit slurred with imperfect diction. Tebow is a definite R (P). Finally, with Tim’s engaging grin, love for people, amazing energy leve,l and communication style, he demonstrates an Extraverted wiring (highly adept in the frontal lobes). Yes sports fans, it appears we have a FEAR/ESFP on our hands.
So, in the end, how will Mr. Tebow fare in the NFL? Don’t forget that he has another two years to play in college, provided he stays. When he finally does graduate to the big leagues, however, look for him to be a blend between Eli and Peyton Manning. Like Eli (an ISFP), he’ll rely more on Feelings for decision-making than Peyton’s Thinking (ESTP). Yet, Tim will have more energy and better innate spatial awareness than Eli. Though Tim Tebow has much NFL potential, he’ll never quite possess the innate giftedness of the gun-slinging ESTP. Other ESFP/BEAR quarterbacks have included Don Meredith, Rodney Peete, Donovan McNabb, Jeff Blake, Byron Leftwich, and Vince Young.
FEARs operate more by vision and gut feel rather than vision and logical synthesis. They are one of the top two Brain Type’s in peripheral awareness and have superior spatial awareness (e.g. Magic Johnson), but sometimes their quarterback smarts are questioned. When they are relaxed and on a roll, however, they are virtually impossible to stop—especially when they have both arm strength and mobility.
We at BTI would love to see Tim Tebow excel in the NFL at quarterback. He certainly has the character, work ethic, and inborn design, so it couldn’t happen to a better guy. We’ll just have to wait and see whether he ultimately becomes a weekend passer or preacher.
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Monday, October 22, 2007
Boston Headed To The World Series
It was an impressive comeback. The Red Sox were down 3-1 against the Indians in the ALCS, staring elimination right in the face. Then, somehow, they came back to win 3 straight, and now are headed to the World Series against the Colorado Rockies.
One man in particular should be given credit … Josh Beckett. When all seemed lost in Cleveland, he allowed only one run scored, making the Indians appear like a teenage pony team. His Brain Type? You’ve got another Nolan Ryan on the mound, something Jon Niednagel (JN) announced back when Beckett was still in high school. For those of you out of the loop, that means Beckett is an FEIL/ESTJ. Niednagel was working for the Diamondbacks at the time (late ‘90’s), and though not thrilled with Beckett’s overall attitude (a bit cocky), he knew he would be a dominating pitcher with a strong arm for many years to come. Though hard-throwing pitchers are often compared by scouts to Nolan Ryan every June MLB Draft, only 1 in more than a decade has actually had Ryan’s ESTJ wiring. That is J. Beckett alone.
This helps explain why JN is different than other prognosticators. When he compares two athletes as being similar, he really means it. They will have the same BT—the same mental, physical, and spatial inborn and DNA-driven traits. Yes, their nurturing/upbringing will be very different, and so will other genetic factors passed along from parents such as athleticism, size, speed, etc. Nonetheless, they will have the same basic biological matrix or BT. For example, let’s say each BT was compared to the dog species. All Type-3 dogs would be like greyhounds whereas number- 4 canines would be basset hounds. To win a race, I’d favor the greyhound—provided he’s not sick, malnourished, injured or cerebrally challenged. (The greyhound still might win even with this last cerebral obstacle—provided he doesn’t run in the wrong direction—like some athletes in the past.)
There are so many “ironic” stories in the world of Brain Typing, and the Beckett story is one of them. Over the past few decades, would you believe, there have been two well-known major league pitchers who’ve had excessive finger blisters? Guess who? (It was even mentioned during the game broadcast the other night.) Yep, Ryan and Beckett. Blisters come from gripping the ball too tightly, and no BT grips the ball/bat/club, etc, as strong as the fine-motor dominant ESTJ. Have you ever shaken hands with an ESTJ? (Of the other 3 ST’s, the ISTP and ESTP grip the ball looser being right-brained, and the Introverted ISTJ also grips lighter than the tenacious ESTJ.) Fortunately for Beckett, he finally learned only last year to soften his grip, and it’s paying off. (For aspiring pitchers, lightening the grip and relaxing the arm will also cause the ball to move more, whereas stiffness in the arm and hands will yield a straight ball—something all hitters love!)
Rounding third and heading for home, you gotta love Manny Ramirez’s look and hair—the flamboyant FEAR/ESFP. Wow, does he ever manifest his SF gross-motor dominance. Check his swing and even his trot out of the box and around the bases. He’s a beut!
Now the World Series begins, and Boston arrives as the favored team. They’ll be tough to beat.
Names In The News
SPORTS:
Boston Red Sox:
Josh Beckett………….FEIL/ESTJ
Jonathan Papelbon……FCIR/ENTP
Curt Schilling…………FCIR/ENTP
Tim Wakefield………..BEAR/ISFP
Mike Lowell………….FCIR/ENTP
Manny Ramirez……….FEAR/ESFP
David Ortiz……..……FEAR/ESFP
NFL
Peyton Manning………FEIR/ESTP
Tom Brady……………FCAR/ENFP
Randy Moss…………..FEAR/ESFP
Reggie Wayne………….FCAR/ENFP
POLITICS:
Mitt Romney………….FCIL/ENTJ
Fred Thompson………FCIR/ENTP
Rudi Giuliani…………..FCIR/ENTP
Hillary Clinton…………FCIL/ENTJ
Barack Obama…………FCIR/ENTP
John Edwards…………FCIR/ENTP
To learn more about the various Brain Types of famous athletes (as well as famous non-sports personalities ), check out Jonathan Niednagel’s 400-page book, “Your Key to Sports Success.”
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Monday, July 23, 2007
It was just so sad to watch, and even more sad from a Brain Typist’s perspective. Yesterday saw the final round of the British Open, with Sergio Garcia head to head with Padraig Harrington. Garcia knew on the 18th tee during regulation that he needed a 4 to win, being ahead by just a single stroke. His second shot landed in the bunker, with his third landing 12 feet from the pin. Everything was set up for the picture-perfect major’s victory, but to no avail. Garcia’s putt lipped out, forcing a 4-hole playoff. He wasn’t to win the playoff.
What makes it so sad from a Brain Type’s perspective? Sergio is an FCAR/ENFP, and an incredibly nice guy. Furthermore, feelers more often take such losses to heart, and that’s what Sergio did.
"There's no easy way to say this," a R&A press man said. "But I know you're bitterly disappointed.” Garcia, looking extremely distraught, shrugged and replied: "No, I'm thrilled. Happiest man alive.”
He went on to say …
”I still don't know how that par putt missed. I should write a book on how not to miss a shot in the playoff and shoot one over. It's the way it is. I guess it's not news in my life. I just have to move on and hopefully do better next time."
What was unfair, however, and even more unfair for an Extraverted Feeler, was for Garcia to have to wait nearly 15 minutes for the bunkers to be raked before his second shot. "When you're one in front, hitting a 3-iron into a green where there's danger everywhere, having to wait at least 15 minutes to hit your shot doesn't help," he said. "I wasn't very happy about that. It seemed to take a long time, a very long time just to rake two bunkers." Even one of the TV commentators remarked, “C’mon, man, you’re not painting the Sistine Chapel.”
Regardless, congratulations to Harrington (FCIR/ENTP) for a match well-played.
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Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Names in the News
World:
Tony Blair: FCIR-ENTP
Fred Thompson: FCIR-ENTP
General Peter Pace: BCIL-INTJ (outgoing Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff)
Mike Nifong: FCIR-ENTP (N.C. District Attorney)
Paris Hilton: FEAR-ESFP
Barbara Walters: FCIL-ENTJ
NBA:
Tony Parker: BCAR-INFP
LeBron James: FEAR-ESFP
MLB:
Justin Verlander: FCIR-ENTP (pitched no-hitter)
Omar Minaya: FCAR-ENFP (Mets’ GM, cover of S.I., 6-18-07)
Golf:
Angel Cabrera: FCIR-ENTP
Tiger Woods: BCAR-INFP
Jim Furyk: BEIR-ISTP
NASCAR:
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: BEAR-ISFP
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Monday, June 18, 2007
Oden, Durant, and Venice
As Jon Niednagel (JN) completes his normal spring migration pattern to NBA pre-draft camps—home and abroad—he’s repeatedly asked, “What are the Brain Types of Oden and Durant?” Mind you, these not only come from Brain Type as well as hoops fans but from most NBA teams as they prepare for the upcoming NBA Draft, June 28.
Though only two teams will land the projected NBA superstars, many of the other franchises want to know how they’re wired. Is Oden the next Bill Russell, with more offense, and is Kevin Durant another Michael Jordan—a rare ISTP with superior athleticism genes?
Since JN is contractually bound to one NBA team only, he cannot divulge the BT information so eagerly sought. Yet JN Brain Typed Oden 4 years ago and Durant in 2005—highly relevant info JN passed on to his NBA boss at those times. When given permission he will reveal the info publicly, but in the interim, here’s an opportunity for BT fans to examine the 2 projected superstars. Carefully notice their motor movements and determine which of the 4 body groups each falls into (SF, ST, NF, NT). Next, determine whether each is right or left-brained dominant. If you get that far, you’ll have it down to 2 BTs. If you study JN’s Extraversion and Introversion characteristics for BT (not personality types), you could have the 2 answers that NBA teams are presently willing to pay big dollars for.
JN just returned from Venice Italy, where he attended a hoops camp for the fifth year in a row, attended by Europe’s best young players. Without speaking to them (an impossibility anyway due to language barriers), but by motor skills and appearance, JN found a few of the NBA’s best BTs, diamonds in the rough who will show significant strides over the next few years. Though BT researchers have known for decades that all people around the world are born with the same 16 Brain Types as Americans, the NBA and MLB especially are finally beginning to understand this fact of nature. They’re realizing how foolish it is to avoid drafting a budding player who comes from a country that isn’t known for hoops, baseball, or athletic prowess. After all, what’s most important is drafting the top BTs for their sport and then developing this latent and superstar talent.
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Friday, June 8, 2007
NBA FINALS - Game 1
The results of last night’s game didn’t come as much of a surprise. The San Antonio Spurs, playing on their home turf, conquered the Cleveland Cavaliers 85-76. San Antonio’s two high scorers were, of course, Tim Duncan (BEAR/ISFP) with 24 and Tony Parker (BCAR/INFP) with 27.
The one slight surprise was Lebron James’ (FEAR/ESFP) poor performance. NBA fans were anticipating a Jordanesque (BEIR/ISTP) entrance into the finals, but Lebron came nowhere close. Jordan, in his first game of the finals back in 1991, scorched the Los Angeles Lakers for 36. Instead, James shot just 4-of-16 from the field and finished with 14 points and six turnovers in 44 minutes. Granted, the Spurs did a tremendous job of shutting him down, and as FEIR/ESTP Robert Horry so eloquently put it, "LeBron is the head of the snake, we need to cut that head off.''
We have to remember that Lebron James is only 22-years of age. We also have to remember that James isn’t a Jordan, nor ever will be. That is, though he may perhaps accomplish as much as Jordan did by the time his career is over (though that’s questionable), he’ll never possess Jordan’s mental circuitry … a circuitry that gave Jordan the mental toughness and killer instinct of an assassin on the basketball court. Yet, as we’ve always said, Lebron James will be and already is a star in his own right.
It will be neat to watch Lebron mature. Although he shares the same wiring as Charles Barkley, Isaiah Thomas, and Magic Johnson before him, he is a different shade of ESFP, bringing with him a very different style of play. Yet, just like those three memorable hoopsters of the past, he’ll play with a flair and pizzazz that will wow the crowds and likely earn him the right to one day be named among the greatest in the game.
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Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Jazz Heading To The Finals
Coach Jerry Sloan (BEIR/ISTP) and his crew are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1998, when a fellow by the name of Michael Jordan (BEIR/ISTP) stood in their way of winning a championship. Last night they eliminated the Golden State Warriors with a 100-87 victory, taking the series 4-1 by finally slowing down the Warriors’ fast pace style of play. "I thought they were just fantastic in this series,” said Golden State coach Don Nelson (BCIL/INTJ). Baron Davis (FEAR/ESFP), Nelson’s opposite wiring, led the Warriors with 21 points and eight assists.
Utah’s success over the years can definitely be attributed to Sloan’s structured style of coaching. He runs Utah’s offense with relentless movement and precision, forcing his players to consistently be in motion while attempting to run plays and set screens. Having Daron Williams (BEAR/ESFP) at the point has been a tough but rewarding transition for both Sloan and Williams. Sloan had the patient and ultimate precisionist running the show in John Stockton (BEIR/ISTP), and it’s taking a while to get the freewheeling ESFP Daron more into that mode; Williams will never be a Stockton, but his inborn BT actually brings greater vision and control of the gross motor skills, including body balance. Daron is special and has a stellar NBA career ahead of him.
Though half a dozen years separate the two, JN and Jerry Sloan go a ways back together when they both played ball in Southern Indiana. Jon was in high school and Jerry at Evansville College, but they sometimes found themselves in the same pickup games, both trying to hone their skills. Sloan, to this day, remains a Midwestern at heart, enjoying the upkeep of his farm back in Southern Illinois. Jon usually sees Jerry at the annual NBA pre-draft or summer league camps, donned with his John Deere hat, and now they even have more in common, both owners of the famous green tractor.
It’s clear that the Jazz will be outmatched regardless of who they’ll face (Phoenix Suns or San Antonio Spurs), but I think it’s a safe bet to assume JN will be pulling for his Midwest friend.
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Monday, May 7, 2007
De La Hoya vs. Mayweather
They certainly appeared rough and tough … two notable fighters who for the last few months have been verbally sparring with one another to no end. "I'm hungry, I know what it takes and I'm ready to go out there and die in the ring.”
Yeah, sure.
Don’t get me wrong. Floyd Mayweather is an intense fellow, yet as well all know, professional boxing is a sport of glitz and glamour. And to no surprise, Floyd was wearing $1 million in diamond jewelry when he made the statement … rather typical FEAR/ESFP…which is the gist of this article.
As Saturday night saw the acclaimed rendezvous of Oscar De La Hoya versus Mayweather in the famed MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Brain Typists had an uncanny, almost humorous insight that others just simply didn't. Both fighters are Feelers, with only one letter separating the two (Hoya/FCAR – Mayweather/FEAR), and both were fighting for their respective legacies (since both have implied that this was their last match).
For the most part, it was worthy of the hype. The fight went 12 rounds, with Mayweather winning by split decision … and like his ESFP predecessor before him, Muhammad Ali, Mayweather was all jabber (in every sense of the word). He stated in ESFP form, "It was a masterpiece of boxing. I showed you why I am the best fighter of this era … I was having fun in there." And also like Ali, Mayweather made good use of his incredible hand/arm speed, landing combinations before De La Hoya could get off.
De Lay Hoya, perhaps in “NFP” fashion, disputed the decision, as he did in losses to Felix Trinidad and his rematch with Shane Mosley.
In the end, both fought notably. They were rough, they were tough, but remember, they’re two Feelers who ain’t no Mike Tysons (BEIR/ISTP) … but I guess that’s a good thing.
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Monday, April 30, 2007
Last night the Chicago Bulls surprisingly swept last year’s champions, the Miami Heat, with a 92-79 on-the-road victory. Here are the Brain Types of notables from both teams.
Chicago Bulls:
Scott Skiles (Coach): BEIR/ISTP
Malik Allen: FCIR/ENTP
P.J. Brown: BEAL/ISFJ
Luoi Deng: FCAR/ENFP
Ben Gordon: BEAR/ISFP
Kirk Hinrich: FCIR/ENTP
Andres Nocioni: FCIR/ENTP
Michael Sweetney: FEAR/ESFP
Tyrus Thomas: FCAR/ENFP
Ben Wallace: BEIR/ISTP
Miami Heat:
Pat Riley (Coach): FCAL/ENFJ
Eddie Jones: BEAR/ISFP
Alonzo Mourning: BEIR/ISTP
Michael Doleac: FEAR/ESTP
Shaquille O’Neal: BEIR/ISTP
Gary Payton: BEIR/ISTP
James Posey: FCIR/ENTP
Dwayne Wade: BEAR/ISFP
Antoine Walker: FCIR/ENTP
Jason Williams: FCAR/ESTP
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