Friday, December 18, 2015

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

(Spoiler Alert)  I just came back from watching Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and…

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Tim Hortons 2015 Christmas Ornament

The 2015 Tim Hortons Christmas ornament is a mini snow globe.  Featured inside is a Tim Hortons coffee shop surrounded by a snow man and a few Christmas trees.  Like all their previous ornaments, it has red thread at the top so that it can be hung on a tree.  I bought it for $6.99, and it comes packaged in a charming little box that carries a yarn like design that reminds me of winter mittens.
I was pleasantly surprised by this year’s ornament because I felt like they had done everything they could do, but they proved me wrong.  The detail of the coffee shop is very intricate and adorable.  The only thing missing from this is a long line up that starts from outside the coffee shop (just like in real life), lol.  Although it’s the only ornament we’re getting from Tim Hortons this year it’s still a pretty nice piece to add to my ornament collection.
Tim Hortons:
YouTube:

Thursday, November 12, 2015

My First Donair

I had my first donair today.  What motivated me to get one was that I’ve been binge eating a lot of shawarmas as of late and was fixing to get another.  The only problem was that I was far away from my local spot, so I went online and googled local places.  That’s when I decided that I should instead try a donair.  I’ve wanted to try one for a long time.  In case you didn’t know the donair was invented in Nova Scotia, and it’s basically a gyro (rotisserie meat, on a pita served with onions and tomato) with sweet sauce instead of tzatziki.  Looking at positive reviews online, I decided to go with the Fuzz Box, who makes authentic donairs.  Based on my first impressions, it’s pretty damn good.  The sweetness mixed with meat and moist pita just seems to create a new delicious taste that I really liked.  I’m glad my first donair went well because I usually don’t like new foods until the second/third time.  Now I can’t wait to try it again.

Donair Wiki:
the FUzZ box:

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Metal Earth 3D Metal Model Kits: Optimus Prime

Been waiting a long time to do one of these 3D metal model kits.  I first saw them on a Japanese website, and thought that they were cool.  I’m into papercraft so, I figured building one of these wouldn’t be a problem.  Boy was I wrong because it not only was difficult but frustrating.  However, now that I’m finished I’m proud of how it turned out, and can’t wait to build another, since my skill should improve the more I build.
Fascinations:

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Blue Jays 2016 Bobblehead Wishlist

Here’s my 2016 Blue Jays bobblehead stadium giveaway wish list.

1. José Bautista
2. Josh Donaldson
3. Troy Tulowitzki
4. Edwin Encarnación
5. Kevin Pillar
6. David Price


Blue Jays:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad1W2aIZaIE

Friday, October 16, 2015

Mega Yarn Yoshi Amiibo

When Nintendo first showed images of Mega Yarn Yoshi, I was on a rollercoaster of emotions.  The upside was that I thought it was so cool of Nintendo to have made such a unique amiibo.  The downside was I also knew I wouldn’t be able to obtain him because he would be limited, and like most limited releases I’m never lucky enough to get them.  Then I heard that Toys R Us Canada would be releasing Mega Yarn Yoshi a few weeks earlier than in the US (October 16th), so I decided to at least attempt to get him.  Luckily, when that Friday came, during a lunch break I went to my nearest Toys R Us and able to buy the last one in the store.
Mega Yarn Yoshi retailed for $59.99 plus tax.  I can only assume the price tag was one of the reasons why many people passed on buying him.  Other than the price, there’s really nothing much to complain about this collectable.  The packaging is adorable, with the yarn motif continued throughout the box.  For now, I haven’t yet opened and released Yoshi, but from what I’ve been hearing he’s very well made, and soft to touch.  I’m a big fan of unique pieces like this and I hope Nintendo keeps releasing great editions like this (I’m hoping for a Mega Yarn Shy Guy).

Update:  Toys R Us Canada/Nintendo re-released Mega Yarn Yoshi in Canada on March 18th, 2016
Nintendo:
YouTube:

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Marcus Stroman Bobblehead

On June 7th, 2015 the Toronto Blue Jays gave away the first Marcus Stroman SGA bobblehead.  Unfortunately during spring training, Marcus sustained a leg injury (ACL) which caused him to miss most of the season.  This injury prevented him from being an active player for the release of his bobblehead.  Fortunately the determination and heart of Stroman pushed him to work his way back to the rotation and become a starter in September, HDMH.
This bobblehead is pretty much one of my favourites not only because Stroman is an inspiring figure, but because Stroman is displayed blowing a bubble.  This feature is truly unique, and the pink contrast matches well with the white and blue Jays uniform.  As bobbleheads are now collectable items and a multitude are released every year, I really appreciated it when unique features such as this are added to them and I hope to see more of this from the Jays in the future.
Marcus Stroman Wiki:
YouTube:

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Super Mario: How Nintendo Conquered America

Title: Super Mario: How Nintendo Conquered America
Author: Jeff Ryan
I hesitated on reading this book at first because I thought it was an updated version of another Nintendo book I had read years ago called, Game Over: How Nintendo Conquered the World.  Game Over is an amazing book that provides a comprehensive history of Nintendo’s rise and success.  Game Over is probably the best book written about Nintendo because it’s very detailed and it extensively profiles the people that were involved in the company.  It doesn’t just tell you what they did, but also who they were and where they came from.

The only drawback of Game Over is that it was first published in 1993, i.e. before the N64, the DS, and the numerous other systems and games that have released since then.  Thankfully the book has had updated versions throughout the years (up until 1999).  So when I first saw Super Mario: How Nintendo Conquered America, I assumed that it was just another update of Game Over.  However I was wrong because it’s written by a different author, Jeff Ryan a self described lifelong gamer.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Club Nintendo Calendar 2016

It’s a bitter sweet moment today as I finally received my last Club Nintendo prize.  I was a member for a while, but neglected to enter my points when I bought new games.  The reason I didn’t care so much was because the prizes in Club Nintendo North America weren’t that appealing.  Usually you would have to spend hundreds of dollars on games, just to be able to cash the points in for something silly like a poster or greeting card set.  So when I heard that Club Nintendo was closing, I cashed my points in for a Nintendo calendar.  Unfortunately the deadline to submit points was over, so I wasn’t able to get a t-shirt (even though I would have had more than enough).
I’m not too upset over the calendar because it’s still a nice collectable from Nintendo.  Although it’s a simple item, it’s still nicely made with bright colors and thick paper.  What I particularly like about it the most, are the Japanese inspired themes used in all the illustrations.  While it is a 2016 calendar, I would have preferred a year-round calendar that I could use every year.  I guess for now I better make the most from this calendar in 2016.
Club Nintendo:
YouTube:

Sunday, August 30, 2015

MLB Baseball: 3

Batting practice ball tossed by Marco Estrada (Blue Jays Pitcher, #25), and signed by Aaron Sanchez (Blue Jays Pitcher, #41).

Lego Batman Alarm Clock

I started seeing Lego alarm clocks a few years ago, and thought that they were really cool.  The first series I saw were of Star Wars.  I wanted to buy the Darth Vader version, but since it didn’t come with a cape or lightsaber I decided to pass on buying one for myself.  I did however buy a Stormtrooper as a gift for a friend, and they really loved it.
The company that makes these alarm clocks (ClicTime Holdings) kept producing other Lego minifigure clocks and released a Batman version.  Thankfully the Batman version comes with a cape, so I bought one for myself.  The alarm clock is similar in movement to a Lego minifigure, except that the joints aren’t removable.  The time on the clock is accurate, and comes with other features such as an alarm clock, and an amber back light.  This is a beautiful and unique alarm clock and I hope more minifigures from Lego are released in the future.
Lego:
Lego Batman Wiki:
ClicTime Holdings Ltd:
YouTube:

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Russell Martin Blue Jays Bobblehead

When Russell Martin first signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014, I was upset.  I was upset because as a former New York Yankee, he had accused the Jays of stealing signs, and we were now making him a Blue Jay.  Like most fans, once I started to see the benefits of adding Martin to our team all that disappointment dwindled and I started to cheer for him.  I also came to realize that stealing signs was just a part of baseball that everyone did anyways (former Blue Jay catcher, Gregg Zaun admitted doing it).
Russell Martin’s Blue Jays bobblehead was given out on August 3rd, 2015.  He was the third release for 2015, and 20,000 were given away.  While it is a nice bobblehead, I am unhappy with the lack of details included.  For example Martin wears a Rawlings chest protector with gold highlights, yet his bobblehead lacks this feature.  The bobblehead is still nice, but as a collector it does leave me wanting more details and contrasting poses.  A badass pose that would have kicked ass would have been one where Martin is throwing the ball to catch a runner stealing.
Gregg Zaun admits to stealing signs:
Russell Martin Wiki:
YouTube:

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Satoru Iwata

RIP IwataSan, you will be missed, but never forgotten.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

McDonald’s Happy Meal Minions

The Minions movie is finally here and to celebrate I want to be consumed with as much hype as possible.   Thankfully McDonalds is also celebrating the movie by releasing Minions themed Happy Meals.  I love McDonalds, so of course I had to get a Happy Meal.  They’re not only delicious and affordable, but also bring back great memories of when I was a kid (though my parents rarely used to buy them).
The box is beautifully designed with pictures of the minions on each side, making it a wonderfully keepsake.  The chicken nugget box, soft drink cup and yogurt are also decorated with minions.  Of course if you’re a collector, the best part of a Happy Meal is the toy, which McDonalds released with Minions figures.  While they aren’t poseable figures, they still are colourful enough to be nicely displayed.  McDonalds did an excellent job with this Happy Meal, and I'm sure they will provide many kids (of all ages) with wonderful memories.
Minions Movie:
YouTube:

Friday, July 3, 2015

Vans Authentic Lows

One of the brands that I am now enjoying is Vans sneakers.  The company started back in 1966 by Paul Van Doren.  Paul believed he could create a durable sneaker using 10 oz. duck canvas, and thick rubber.  Of course the rest was history because his quality sneakers took off with the skate and surf society.  His sneakers are now as classic as any other with the added benefit of not only being durable but affordable.
Unfortunately it took me a while before I bought my first pair of Vans, but since that time I have truly enjoyed them.  For this blog post, I wanted to feature the Authentic Lo Pro with camo print.  They’re a nice clean sneaker that is easy to match and are very comfortable.  The best part of Vans is that the more you wear them the better they look.  I highly recommend them if you’re looking for a nice sneaker that won’t hurt your wallet, and will last you for years.
Vans:
YouTube

Friday, June 19, 2015

Removing the New Era Logo

New Era makes amazing hats.  However, since I first fell in love with their on-field 59fifty from the late 90’s, I decided that I only want to buy hats that resembled those glory days.  Back then hats were 100% wool, made in the USA, had grey under brims, and didn’t include the New Era logo.  So my reason for making this post isn’t so much to disrespect New Era by removing their logo, but rather it’s to customize my hat to look the way those older fitteds used to look.
In order to remove the logo, the first thing I recommend is to have lots of patience because this task takes lots of time, and concentration.  You want to begin by using a sharp knife that gets under each thread and individually cuts them (while I have seem other customizers use a seam cutter to remove the thread I don’t recommend one because it can warp the wool material).  As your cutting the threads, you also want to use tweezers to detach each thread.  And finally you want to use some tape (I use painters tape) to clean off any excessive threads, which will also leave the wool spotless.  Once you’re done your fitted should resemble a New Era fitted from the past.
New Era:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pJKiDLWijE