How to Keep Sneakers Deadstock

This blog post is about how I like to store my sneakers and keep them deadstock (in brand new condition).  While the procedure may seem extreme to some, I still think this method is worth sharing.

1.  I remove the sneakers and I like to clean and shape the shoe box so that it looks and stays pristine

2.  I remove the shoe paper and place it in a storage tube with other rolled up shoe papers; I also use a pencil to write the name of the sneakers the paper came with.  Shoe paper has been known to dry shoes and even stain them.

3. I then work on the sneakers; I like cleaning them by using a wet cloth or a magic eraser to remove marks, blemishes, and smudges.  If there are loose threads I cut them using nail cutters.

4.  Some sneakers come with a sticker label inside of the sole, so I like to remove it and place it in a sticker album.

5.  Most sneakers come with shoe paper inside of the toe box, so I remove the paper and wrap it around with plastic or a ziploc bag and then replace it inside of the toe box.  It is important to keep it there because it prevents the toe box from sinking in by helping to maintain its shape.

6.  If a second pair of laces is included I like to place them inside of a baggy, and then put them inside of the shoes so they won’t get lost

7.  Once the shoes are wiped I then fix the laces so that the shoes look factory laced (never been touched)

8.  I then wrap them around in a clean rag (old t-shirt), and place them inside of the shoe box; making sure that the shoes never touch the box.  The box can damage certain delicate materials such as suede or nubuck (rubbing and wearing it down)

9.  I like to place the shoe box inside of a bag, leaving the end open so that air can still allow them to breath.  Marking the box with a picture of the shoes or just the name of the shoes will help identify them.

10.  As a final step I place my shoes neatly stashed in a basement closet.  The location you choose to keep your collection must be a cool dry place that doesn’t have any changes in temperature.

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfY9keG0FBk

Console Wars

Title: Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle that Defined a Generation
Author: Blake J Harris

Over the last few years I’ve come to appreciate the video gaming generation I grew up on; late 80’s to late 90’s.  The amazing thing is; I’m not the only one.  Many people who were gamers during those years also appreciate the quality and memories that those games have.  A lot of this renewed enthusiasm in those older games is a result of social media websites such as youtube, blogs, and eBay.  These sites help us relive our past and remind us that it was those classic games that shaped the passions and hobbies we have today.  In recognizing this, I now like to watch and read any material that provides a greater understanding into my gaming past.

2015 Blue Jays Promotional Giveaway Wish List

Here’s my wish list for possible promotional stadium giveaways from the Blue Jays in 2015.

1. Garden gnome of Adam Lind (Sadly Lind was traded, but a nice substitution would be Reyes or Encarnación)

2. Beard hat of José Bautista

3. 1992 or 1993 World Series Championship commemorative ring

4.  Blue Jays calendar that features birthdays, stickers, and highlights team history

5.  Blue Jays sunglasses or wayfarers with the team logo

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqr2xgHKPOo

Lego City Undercover Wii U Chase McCain Minifigure

Here are two awesome Lego collectables that I’m adding to my collection.  The first is a video game called Lego City Undercover for the Nintendo Wii U.  The game is a combination between Grand Theft Auto, the Die Hard franchise and a Lego game.  I really think combining all three ideas into one game was an awesome idea because I’m a fan of them all.  The cover of the game is a classic Lego video game cover, displaying all the fun things to do in the game.  I also like that the game comes with a colour manual included.

The second Lego collectable that I’m adding to my collection is a minifigure of Chase McCain, the hero from the game.  This minifigure (set 5000281) was given out to anyone that pre-ordered the game.  The figure is simple with only 4 pieces to build, but it’s nicely detailed and a beautiful toy to display.  For those that want more than just to display, Lego also released a separate playset of Lego City Undercover featuring Chase McCain.  Besides that playset, I have to say this is a really nice collectable freebie that I hope Lego continues to do with future pre-ordered games.

Lego City Undercover Game:

http://legocityu.nintendo.com

Lego City Undercover Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego_City_Undercover

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyFDf9-bRaE

The Homer Hot Wheels Toy Car

After months of searching I finally found “The Homer” toy car at Dollarama.  This toy car was made by Hot Wheels in 2013 (although it was for the HW City 2014 line).  The Homer was featured in the episode called "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" of the second season.  In that episode, Homer meets his long-lost half brother, Herb.  Herb owns a car company, and asks Homer to build his dream car.

As a Simpsons fan, I love collecting unusual items such as this.  I never thought they’d make a toy car out of this episode, but thankfully Mattel did.  The car is die-cast making it strong and durable, with plastic windows, and a chrome bottom and grill.  The paint is nice, and exactly like the cartoon version.  I only paid $1.50 for this car, making me thankfully it didn’t retail for $82,000, lol.

Hot Wheels:

http://www.hotwheels.com/en-ca/collection/bdc92_the-homer

The Homer Wiki:

http://simpsons.wikia.com/wiki/The_Homer