Nike Air Max 90 Infrared 2010 Retro

A brief history of Nike Air Max

The Air Max series from Nike was first introduced in 1987 with the Air Max 1. Although the Air unit for sneakers was invented by Frank Ruby, its research and perfection came with the help of Nike men such as Rob Strasser, Jeff Johnson and Del Hayes in the late 70’s. The first Nike sneakers to feature the technology were the Tailwinds in 1978. Although the actual Air unit never exploded, the shoes were a disaster for Nike because the material used to make them was coming apart. Luckily Nike kept using the technology in certain sneakers, and these sneakers were met with success. Unfortunately by the mid 80’s Nike was losing its place as top sneaker brand to Reebok, and so by 1985 Rob Strasser acknowledge that Nike needed a new look. With the help of Peter Moore, Strasser decided to once again focus on Air technology. Moore then asked Tinker Hatfield, to design an upper for a sneaker that would feature a visible Air unit and the result was the Air Max 1. Tinker took inspiration for its design from the George Pompidou centre in Paris. What made the Air Max so special was that it combined a visible Air window that you could see through, and that the unit carried the maximum amount of air that could be put into a sneaker. Lamentably Strasser and Moore left Nike soon after, and the next Air Max design was left in the hands of Hatfield.

Air Max 90

The third generation of Air Max, now known as the Air Max 90 was first released in 1990. On Saturday, July 24th, 2010 Nike re-released this classic in its most popular colorway, Infrared. In Canada retail for this retro sneaker was $124.99 while in the U.S. they were only $94.99. The colors used on this sneaker are white, cement grey, black and infrared. The upper uses a mesh material, the overlay has a fabric that is similar to felt, and the mudguard uses synthetic leather. The sneaker is also accented with plastic rubber patches around the lace holes and heel. A feature that I like about this sneaker is how smooth the bottom sole feels like when you touch it, almost as smooth as vinyl toys. The 2010 Infrareds have a lot of cushioning in them and so I had to get a half size larger. Although this retro for 2010 was a limited release, they weren’t that difficult to get (no need to line up for them). They also came in an all brown box that Nike has been using for about a year now, that is highlighted with various past Nike logos. As far as comfort is concerned, these are just the best thing to wear on your feet. They are so comfortable and they feel like your walking on air (pun intended). I don’t have any criticisms for this sneaker since it is a retro but I would say that the laces could be a little thicker, and that the upper mesh material isn’t as breathable as current contemporary models. Other than that, these are a must buy for anyone that loves and appreciates Nike running shoes. I intended to celebrate the unofficial 20th anniversary of this model by wearing it as much as possible.





YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beIVKmlaVMM

M&M’s Pretzel

This year M&M’s introduced Pretzel M&M’s. Although most people wouldn’t think that chocolate goes with pretzels (especially because they are salty), I really thought it was a good idea. The reason for this is because I had chocolate covered pretzels a long time ago and they tasted really good. For some reason chocolate pairs really nicely with salt, and they almost accentuate the flavor of each other. I’ve also found that as I’ve gotten older I have started to like many foods that I didn’t like as a child, such as mint and dark chocolate. But I must say M&M’s hit the jackpot with this new candy. To begin with, I couldn’t find them anywhere because they were sold out everywhere I looked. Luckily I did find a store that had some left and I was able to buy a few bags. The candies themselves look like any other M&M’s candy because they are covered in those bright colors, and are round. As mentioned before, although the pretzel is salty, it being covered in chocolate and candy really work together to make this a tasty treat. Since the pretzel is also hard, it gives you a nice crunch every time you bite into it. I really love this new candy and can’t wait to have it again.

YouTube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moH3gzE5gOg

TF CON and 80’s Toy Expo 2010

On Sunday, July 18th, 2010 Toronto held its annual TF CON (Transformers Convention) and 80’s Toy Expo (although TF CON started on the 17th). The event was held at the Doubletree International Plaza Hotel on the west side of Toronto. I have been wanting to go to the toy Expo for years now, but something always got in the way. Luckily this year I was free to go, and since I live on the other end of town I decided to just take the subway to the event. Of course not everything went perfect because half way through my trip on the subway, the TTC shut down and I had to take a shuttle bus for a few more stations before getting on a train again. Sitting in a cramped bus was not fun, and I was seriously reconsidering heading back. However, just thinking of how I would miss the Expo for another year gave me the tenacity to keep on going on my journey. Fortunately I made it to the hotel, a few hours longer than the time I had expected to arrive at the Expo. Early bird admission into the Expo was $20 at 9 am, while regular admission after 10 am was $10. As soon as you walk into the hotel, you can easily find the entrance to the Expo and are greeted by the volunteer staff at the show. Since I arrived later I only had to pay $10 admission for which I received a wristband, a Transformers comic (old), and the Expo schedule. I then walked inside and was amazed by how many people were at the show, and how many toys there were. I paced back and force walking towards every table and looking at the toys. The prices were pretty much regular or the going rate, however you didn’t have to pay tax and were able to bargain with the toy dealers. Some of my favorite toys at the Expo where vintage Superheroes like Superman in a mint condition box, and an Arnold Schwarzenegger Commando toy. While the toys were great, what stood out for me the most was how friendly everyone was, and that’s what made it such an enjoyable experience. This Expo was a totally success for me, and I can’t wait to make the journey next year. Thanks TF CON & 80’s Toy Expo!





TF CON website:
http://www.tfcon.ca/
80’s Toy Expo website:
http://www.80stoyexpo.com/

YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEU0bcJbW1Y

Air Jordan Cool Grey III

This will be my first post on sneakers so I thought it appropriate to write about one of my favorite sneakers of all time, the Air Jordan III. There are so many things I love about this particular sneaker that keeps me coming back for more as they are released. The most popular feature has to be the elephant print that is used on the sneaker. Although it does stand out dramatically, the way it is used it simply adds to the elegance of the sneaker making it look like a high-end designer shoe. I also love the Air bubble that is used and that is visible on the bottom mid-heel. It provides a comfort that even after 2 decades is still better than most contemporary sneakers released today. The particular Jordan that I am featuring today is nicknamed the Cool Grey III’s because of the color of the nubuck material that is used on the sneaker. The Cool Grey III’s are a retro meaning that they are a re-issue from the first release of Air Jordan III’s from 1988, although the Cool Grey’s weren’t part of the original colorway that was used in the original releases. The sneakers are also part of what Jordan Brand was promoting at the time, LS or Life Style sneakers meaning they would be released with clothing to match. As far as this being a new colorway release in an Air Jordan III, what I liked about this retro was the cool grey colorway, the thickness of the laces, and the smooth feel of the nubuck. What I didn’t like from this retro was that the Nike Air logo wasn’t included on the back heel, and that the inner sock liner is in white making it really difficult to keep clean as you wear it a couple times. The Cool Grey III’s were released on February 24th, 2007, retailed at $135, they came in a black and grey Jump Man box, the sneakers were wrapped in shoe paper with a recycled paper shoe horn in each sneaker, and a retro card was included in every pair.

YouTube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S2qQgx37jo

White Castle

White Castle is a fast food restaurant that stands out among hamburger places. It has gained almost a cult following from all the attention it has received in the media, be it in movies or newspapers. The first time I saw it was in the movie “Saturday Night Fever” with John Travolta. Most locations are built in the shape of a castle and are painted white, hence the name. What makes White Castle so distinct from other places is the size of the hamburgers; they’re mini and are cooked with diced onions. Once you bite into a mini burger the onions become savory jewels of deliciousness, and combined with the pickles and ketchup make this burger mouth watering goodness. The hype the surrounds this burger and makes it a legend is no myth. Other menu items that are also worth trying are their crinkle cut fries, onion rings and chicken rings. Though the price of a combo can be a little pricey, White Castle also offers a value menu for times when you are just craving a snack. So remember the next time you’re craving some hamburgers, why visit the King (Burger King), when you can have the Castle (White Castle) all to yourself?



YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SS-1LKFFJE
White Castle website:
http://www.whitecastle.com/

Tech Deck Mini Skateboard

Tech Deck is a toy maker that has made finger skateboards for many years now. The first time I saw them was around 10 years ago, and I just had to buy one. At that time they cost over $10 and were sold at EB Games. What appealed to me the most about this toy is how you’re able to customize your board. You can change the wheels, the bushings, loosen the screws and wheels, and you can add stickers as well. Recently I walked into Wal-Mart and saw them again, and I had to buy another one. However the price was better now at around $3.50 plus tax. The funny thing is other than just for appearance and collection-wise, I really have no use for the skateboard. On-line I’ve seen people do tricks with them but I honestly do not have the patience to learn even one, though a finger Ollie would be pretty cool to learn. The version I bought was from Finesse skateboards. I liked this version the most because it comes in a red colorway with a white graffiti tag. Included with the skateboard comes a sheet of stickers, 4 extra wheels, and one tool.



YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhlPQpkUO18
The official website for tech Deck:
http://www.techdeck.com/