J2: Outty 5000

Well, this is it. My last day at home in 2010. There's plenty to look back on this past decade of the new millennium, but I guess that'll be for another post. For now, I'd just like to relax and enjoy my last night at home before I leave for Hong Kong and the Philippines.


After running around getting last minute errands wrapped up these past couple days, I decided to make my Saturday a quiet one and spend it with fam. I drove around for most of the morning finishing off my errands and saying goodbye's to important people, and I spent the evening having my last meal at home of 2010 with my family at Sukiyaki House.






I'm off to Hong Kong tomorrow morning! So stoked to get out of the winter and head somewhere, where I can rock shorts and a tee. I'll try my best to blog and e-mail and keep everyone up to date on my trip with a few snaps along the way, so stay tuned.

Lastly, before I sign off for the night, I'd like to wish everyone at home a safe holiday, a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!

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J2: Fresh Outta the Box

They finally came! Having a pair iD's, to me anyways, is a big deal. It's pretty tough to come by considering Nike iD Studios don't ship to Canada, which kinda sucks. If you can get friends down south to order in and scoop 'em up for you, all the better. I was fortunate enough to get a pair from friends on Nike Talk. And after 7 weeks, they finally came to my doorstep. Thanks Junior (Fait) on NT for the order!


Today was also the release of the Flint Grey Retro XIII. I'm really happy with the quality. Though not as good as the earlier Retro, it's still nice to see that JB stuck with the original idea for Flints. I picked up a few pairs today from my local Foot Locker. 


That's it for now. 

Now off to China. 

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J2: Feeling Frosty

I'm leaving for China on Sunday. And I'm pretty excited. Primarily to get away from this weather. In previous years, Calgary has amazed me with -30 degree weather, storm warnings in May, golf ball sized hail, 2 feet of snow piled up overnight, long runs of pouring rain that caused major flooding across the city. Yet, after all that, Calgary never ceases to amaze again, because as of today, my wonderful city is the coldest place in the world....next to the fucking South Pole! Are you kidding me?!?!



Well, I guess I picked the perfect time to leave. 
I'll drop in again a day or two before the flight. 

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NikeTalk: WDYWT?


It's kinda shitty out, but oh well...
Nike Air Max 2009
(black/varsity red-white)

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Kicksology 101: Air Jordan Cushioning Part I

Full Length Zoom Air - Air Jordan Alpha 1

Nike Basketball clearly markets themselves as elites in performance footwear. Kitchen designers like Eric 'E' Avar and Tinker Hatfield discover new and innovative ways to make 'the perfect shoe'. That's what Nike Basketball has been about for years.

People buy Nike Basketball products for specific reasons to cater to their needs. Are you an outdoor player looking for something lightweight and durable? Try the Hyperfuse. Are you a center looking for more ankle support and impact cushioning? Try the Hypermax. Are you a small guard or a slasher type player looking for something lightweight, low-cut and supportive? Try the Zoom Kobe V.

The Air Jordan however, has been less about marketing performance and more about marketing the sheer fact that they're...well...Air Jordans. For years, Michael Jordan and the 'Air Jordan' have been a household name across the globe for it's popularity and style. The 'Jumpman' logo has established itself as one of the most recognizable logos in the world next to Coca-Cola and Mickey Mouse. Don't get me wrong Air Jordans still perform in a way that a basketball shoe should perform, but most people buy new and retro J's for sentimental and re-sale value rather than performance and wear.

With Nike Basketball footwear sporting materials like Flywire, XDR and Lunarlite Foam, it seems the Air Jordan has become obsolete and outdated in the performance catagory and has become strictly a collectors item. Although that's not entirely true, people still ask the question "Can you even still wear J's for basketball anymore?". Well kids, the answer is "yes", you can. But it all depends on what you're looking for. You have to know what you're wearing.

With that in mind, let's first start with a quick lesson in basic cushioning.

Nike Air 


Examples of a standard Encapsulated Air Units

This is the bread and butter of all Nike technology and where it all started. The Nike Air system is, as Nike reps describe it as, a patented "pressurized gas encapsulated in polyurethane". Which, to me, loosely means "air inside a plastic bag". Nike uses a combination of inert gases in dense molecules to pressurize the bag and can compress without any gas escaping. These Air units are normally placed in the heel and forefoot of the midsole. They work to cushion the foot by compressing and reducing the force of the impact upon landing of the foot, which then springs back in its original shape.

Air Jordan XI dissection: 
Full Length Encapsulated Air Unit [Top]
Phylon midsole and carbon fiber shank plate [Bottom]

Zoom Air


Articulated Zoom Air Unit [Left] 
Jumpman Trifecta's Full Length Zoom Air Unit [Right]

Zoom Air is more complex. It consists of thousands of vertical fibres sandwiched between 2 horizonal fabric layers that is sealed inside a polyuethane film. Pressurized gas surrounds these fibres creating a flat, thin, low-profile air bag that provides a closer to the ground feel than the conventional Nike Air system. The gas surrounding the fibres creates a force within the bag in a way to put tension on the fibres without the bag popping or expanding. Upon impact, the bag compresses and relieves tension on the fibres, which then causes the gas in the bag to expand and returns the tension into the fibres causing them to spring back immediately after impact. This method of impact cushioning is designed for high speeds and quick foot transitions required for more faster players and guards without weight being a problem.

These two kinds of impact cushioning units encompass the design of each Air Jordan. Since Jordan Brand doesn't advertise as much as Nike Basketball does in the performance column, you usually don't know what you're wearing on your feet, even when you put it on. Every Air Jordan is slightly different in terms of the technology and types of cushioning used for for the shoe. For some players out there that are looking to actually wear a pair of J's on the court, it's important to know what's on your feet. Otherwise, why not just rock 'em with a pair of jeans and call it day?

Air Jordan I (1985)
Heel: Encapsulated Nike Air Unit
Forefoot: none

Air Jordan Alpha I (2009)
Heel/Forefoot: Full Length Zoom Air

Air Jordan II (1987)
Heel: Encapsulated Air Unit
Forefoot: none

Air Jordan III (1988) - Air Jordan VI (1991)
Heel: Visible Air Unit
Forefoot: Encapsulated Air Unit

Air Jordan VII (1992) - Air Jordan IX (1994)
Heel: Encapsulated Air Unit
Forefoot: Encapsulated Air Unit

Air Jordan X (1995) - Air Jordan XI (1996)
Heel/Forefoot: Full Length Encapsulated Air

Air Jordan XII (1997)
Heel/Forefoot: Full Length Zoom Air

Air Jordan XII Retro (2003+)
Heel: Zoom Air
Forefoot: Zoom Air

Air Jordan XIII (1998)
Heel: Zoom Air
Forefoot: Zoom Air

Air Jordan XIV (1999)
Heel: Zoom Air
Forefoot: Articulated Zoom Air

Air Jordan XV (2000)
Heel: Zoom Air
Forefoot: Zoom Air

Air Jordan XVI (2001)
Heel: Visible Blow-molded Air
Forefoot: Zoom Air

Air Jordan XVII (2002) - Air Jordan XVII SE (2003)
Heel: TPU-encased Visible Blow-molded Air
Forefoot: Zoom Air

Air Jordan XVIII (2003) - Air Jordan 18.5 (2004)
Heel/Forefoot: Full Length Zoom Air w/ Doubled Stacked Heel Zoom

Air Jordan XIX (2004) - Air Jordan XIX SE (2004)
Heel/Forefoot: Full Length Zoom Air w/ Doubled Stacked Heel Zoom

After 2005, Jordan Brand introduced new waves of technology such as Independent Podular Suspension (IPS), tunable IPS, and Articulated Propulsion Technology. All of which were used in the Air Jordans to follow. But that's all for now. I hope this helps clear up some issues regarding what you're actually wearing next time you lace up a pair of J's. Technology does matter.

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Stay tuned for Air Jordan Cushioning Part II - Independent Podular Suspension

J2: Winter Bimmer

I worked at home today in fear of the public's inept ability to drive on the first day of winter. As it is every single year, countless accidents and mishaps occur on the first day and to top all that off, the drive to work can take up to 2 hours from where I live.

So why not just stay at home and walk to my "office" which is literally 5 steps away from my bed? I spent the day at 'work' while watching re-runs of How I Met Your Mother on my PS3, listening to Joe Rogan's podcast on full blast and shoveling snow and changing wheels.

Now I'm winter ready.

Mmmmmmm....traaaaction.


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J2: Tomorrow in a Haiku

Not very prepared for this...

Well that sums it up.
I don't have winters wheels on.
I guess I'll stay in.

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NikeTalk: WDYWT?

For work today...
Air Max 90 "Laser Blue"
white/black-zen grey


J2: Pacquiao/Margarito Re-Cap


Because of the troubles in camp and, what seemed to be endless distractions during training, I, myself had doubts that Pacquiao could win a Super Welterweight bout with a man who was literally around 15-20 pounds heavier and 5 inches taller than he was. Camp seemed too Hollywood for Pacquiao, while Margarito spent endless hours at the gym preparing for a second chance to pick himself up after being disgraced from the sport for illegal hand wraps.

In my opinion, because of the wrapping incident and the viral video released recently of Margarito and Brandon Rios poking fun at Freddie Roach's Parkinson's disease, he shouldn't even have been given a shot at redemption, let alone a shot at currently, the best boxer in the world. But it's a fight none the less and an opportunity for Manny to win his 8th world title in a completely different weight class.

The entire fight was a pretty exciting on one side of the spectrum; it sort of lop-sided. Pacquiao, proving once again that he IS the best fighter in the world and re-stamped his name in the history books as, not only one of the best, but being the only fighter in history to ramp up 8 weight classes to win a title in each class. All 12 rounds in this November 13th bout in favor of Pacquiao which ended in a UD. Personally, it should have ended in the 9th round. We all know what kind of fighter Pacquiao is and what his camp is all about. Margarito should consider himself lucky that Pacquiao wasn't out to knock him out and completely decimate his already beaten face later in the fight.


Margarito said it himself that Pacquaio's power was no problem and that he couldn't hurt him. This fight proved him very wrong. After the 8th or 9th round,  Margarito lost sight of his cut and swollen right eye, which was already cut earlier in the fight. Pacquaio at this point, questioned the ref and Camp Margarito's decision to continue. Manny, after the 9th, was told by Roach to back-off the remaining rounds to prevent any serious career-ending injuries to Margarito and forget the knock-out.


"I told the referee, 'Look at his eyes, look at his cuts,"' Pacquiao said. "I did not want to damage him permanently. That's not what boxing is about." (ESPN)

This goes to show what kind of class Pacquiao's corner brings to the table and what kind of human being he is. The fight also showcased his durability for the first time in years. No one, in recent fights, has ever phased Pacquaio. But with the aggressive pin-to-the-rope style of one, Margarito wasn't the only one to take a beating. Although Pacquiao came out seemingly untouched after 12 rounds, it was clear and evident that no one has hit Pacquiao as many times as Margarito has in recent years. Is Pacquiao slowing down? I think not. It's just Margarito's aggressive style. More on that later.

I also have to give props to Margarito for not giving up. But in my opinion, lasting all 12 rounds didn't prove anything, except for the fact that this dude is brave, but stupid. Your pride and reputation is on the line? Yes. You want a chance at redemption after being banned for a year? Yes. But, fam, your career and well-being is also on the line as well. Why risk it if you've clearly lost?

Pacquiao walked away from the fight with an 8th notch on his already historic proverbial belt. Margarito walked away to the hospital, suffering a broken orbital bone. Which is ironic, considering he shattered Rashad Holloway's orbital bone during a sparring session, which was suspected as a result from illegal hand wraps.


"He's a very tough guy," Roach said of Margarito (38-7, 27 KOs). "I was surprised how tough he was. He has the worst corner. They probably ruined his career by not stopping the fight." (ESPN)

Margarito then stated later:

"There was no way I was going to quit. I'm a Mexican, we fight until the end"


What's Next?!

So the question remains "What's Next for Pacquiao?". Really, there's nothing left for him to do in boxing. Who is there, really? An aging Shane Mosley? Rematch with Cotto? The not-so-welterweight Paul Williams? At this point in his career, Pacquiao can retire easily if Mayweather won't step up.

We all know Mayweather is hiding. We all know he's afraid to break his undefeated 41-0 record. And we also know he's suspected of only fighting Mosley because he was past his prime as a dominant welterweight boxer. And we definitely know PBF is afraid of Pacquiao at his peak. But like I asked earlier, is Pacquiao slowing down? Does Max Kellerman actually think Pacquiao is showing signs of a decline? Personally, I don't think so. Manny is only 31 and is at the peak of his career, despite his newly found responsibility as congressman, he's still got 1 or 2 fights left.

I think Kellerman's comments were only to bring questions to Mayweather's big ass head. Is he past his prime? Can I beat him? Should I fight him? Should I stop being such a giant vagina? For the sake of the sport,  Kellerman, in my opinion, said what he said to stir the pot and try and get Mayweather to come out and play. Hopefully, Mayweather finally takes it into consideration so we can ALL see the fight we all want to see.

In the meantime, let's all bask in Pacquiao's glory.

Winner by UD

...and just because they're insanely hot...
...the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders...

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J2: 30 truths for the young adult

It's not that I get wiser when I'm older, I just realize the funny little things that happen in our day to day lives occur over and over again without us even noticing. I don't look at the big picture of things. I tend to over analyze the small shit. I've covered the tiniest things I find devastating. So here are the rest of the piddly little crap that scatters itself through out our week:

1. I think part of a best friend’s job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than the moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is a great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive in school really necessary?

7. Google Maps really needs to start their directions on #5.  I’m pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you aren’t going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just ignore what comes after Blu-Ray? I don’t have time restart my collection all over again.

13. I’m always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my 20-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14.“Do not machine-wash or tumble dry” means I will never wash this – ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring, but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail.  What the fuck did you do after I didn’t answer – throw your phone in the river and run away?!

16. I hate leaving my house in my best steez, confident,  looking good and then not seeing anyone else of any importance the entire day. What a fuckin' waste.

17. I keep some people’s phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer if they call or text.

18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

19. Every now and then, I’ll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize that I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

20. I would rather try to carry 10 overloaded plastic bags of groceries in each hand rather than make more than one trip to and from my car.

21. How many times is it appropriate to say “what?” in a noisy nightclub before you just nod your head and smile because you still didn’t hear or understand a word they said?

22. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in the front.

23. Shirts get dirty.  Underwear gets dirty.  Socks get dirty.  Jeans?  Jeans never get dirty and you can wear them forever.

24. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber and sluttier every year?

25. There’s no worse feeling than that millisecond you’re sure you’re going to die after leaning too far back in your chair.

26. As a driver, I hate pedestrians.  As a pedestrian, I hate drivers.  But no matter the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

27. Sometimes I’ll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

28. Why is it that no one is able to use the proper form of the homonym “their,” “they’re” and “there??”

29. “’Nother” has never, and will never, be a word.

30. Even under ideal conditions, people have trouble locating car keys, finding their cell phone, remembering to zip up but I’d bet my life savings that anyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, barely cohesive - first time, every time.

Naruto: War Begins [SPOILER ALERT]

I've been watching/reading Naruto for about 6 years and I've seen characters in the series come and go. And now at the peak of the series comes an outbreak of all out war. What I find interesting is that, after the team missions, exams, rivalries, sub-plots, side-stories, deaths and extensive ninja family trees and connections, the war brings everyone together dead OR alive.

If you haven't been reading the Manga and don't want to be spoiled, stop right here. For those who have missed last weeks issue, here are the Cole's notes: The Kage meetings have adjourned to prepare for war against Madara and Kabuto. The entire Ninja world has banded together to form an international army divided by battalions of special teams led by assigned captains from different countries regardless of past differences or previous wars. Not too sure yet on whom is assigned where, but here's an idea:

I like how the Ambush Squad is looking, but although the Inuzuka Clan is useful for their ability to smell on the  Special Ops Division, I think Kiba and Akamaru belong in this squad for ambush tactics.

I guess I'm happy with Medical Logistics, I would stick Sakura in there if it weren't for her massive strength. Hinata, however belongs in the Sensory Squad since she's completely useless as a fighter.

I like Kakashi's role as General. I would have made him Commander though based on field experience. But maybe for story's sake, Gaara might need a more integral part in the war. 

Why is Chouji a long range fighter? Am I missing something?
Hmmm...

And finally...

THIS is what I found interesting...

Fucking "Dream Team" of Super Villains hahaha. Never thought I'd see Haku again. This is turning out to be awesome. I can't wait to see all this in the anime. Werd, I'm a geek. 

NikeTalk discussion here

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NikeTalk: WDYWT?

My wears for today

For casual
Air Jordan IV Retro "Cool Grey"
(cool grey/chrome-dk chrcoal-varsity maize)

For ball
Air Jordan XIII OG (1998)
(black/true red)



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J2: Hockey Jones

Since I got new equipment, we've been itching to play since last week and still haven't gone out onto the ice yet. Which is very disappointing. Friday was a bust as Airdrie's shinny sessions were moved from the 12am slot to the 12pm slot. Saturday was a no go for various reasons. And last night I get a text regarding public shinny at Cardel at 10:30pm. I made the 30 minute drive from my house to Cardel Place only to find out the session was fully booked.

I'd like to get to a few sessions in before I leave for vacay at the end of the month. But I guess we can wait until Thursday for our session. Which, by the way, we do have a couple slots open, so if anyone is interested, our shinny session runs from 10:30am-11:45am this Thursday, November 11. Leave a comment if you wanna play or send me an e-mail.

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J2: Skates for clubs

Winter is on the horizon (in Calgary anyways). It's that time of year where you stock up on the low temp. washer fluid, break out the shovels, bolt on your winter wheels, and rock the down-filled jackets. To add to that list, are the sporting goods.

Since the season for winter sports is approaching, I've traded my golf clubs and basketball for my snowboard and hockey equipment. I spent some time today to take the boarding gear and hockey bag out for some cleaning. This is the first year since 2004, of formal full-equipment ice hockey. Opening my bag after 6-years of unwashed equipment was pretty much a bio hazard haha. It all fits, but smells of death and itches when I wear it. So my cousin and I hit up Sport Chek for some new gear.

Packed and ready for wear. 

There are a few things missing however, I'll probably need a few extra practice jerseys, pucks, and MAYBE a helmet cage or visor, depending on how rough it may get out there. We'll see. We've arranged a friendly pick-up game for next week for a couple hours and hopefully everyone can make it out. I'm a little rusty, but hopefully I can get it all back with pick-up shinny tomorrow night.

Also, today was the day my shipment came in. Here are my latest pick-ups and today's WDYWT?

L to R: Air Max 1 "Athletics Omega", Air Max 90 "Laser Blue"

WDYWT?
Air Jordan IV Retro (1999)
(black/cement)

J2: My long ass week

It's been one hell of a week. It felt so long, it's as if my grandfather had died weeks ago. It would have felt even longer if so many people weren't there to comfort my family. And for that, I thank you. You guys know who you are and I'm glad to have such an extensive range of family and friends during hard times. Here are the Cole's notes for my week:

- My grandfather died on Friday, October 22. It was a day I saw coming sooner or later. And when it came it hadn't really kicked in. Even now, there are times where I think he'd call me to play Golf or ask if I can give him a ride to Chemo. Sometimes I sincerely think he's still sitting at home watching the Golf channel.

- The week was mostly spent at my house with about 50 people everyday at 7pm praying for my gramps. Alot of this was spent eating food people brought over. I think I gained about 5 pounds during all of last week.

- The unexpected company caused my Insanity work out to be put on hold. I should start again today. It's going to be extremely hard to get back to Level 2 from a week of eating nothing but Chinese food and desserts.

- Wednesday and Thursday were the viewings. So many people showed up, it was surprising. But then again, every filipino is somehow connected to one another and my gramps had alot of friends. The only thing I enjoyed about this whole ordeal is that I've met alot of people whome I haven't seen since way back in the day. Kind of reminded me of my childhood when I used to see these people on a regular basis. It was kinda nice, but it'd be even nicer if I had seen them under different circumstances.

- Friday was the mass and Saturday was the funeral. I'm glad to know that gramps can finally rest in peace. And I'm also kinda happy the cemetary he was burried at is not far from where I live. I thought since I lived in the boonies, he'd be far away. I'd like to try and visit him once a week.

- In lighter news, I have a couple pairs kicks that had just arrived through A-PHKR. I should go grab them from him pretty soon, as well as take care of the holiday pre-orders for all these releases that are coming soon.

- No "Throwback Thursday" last week. Maybe this week I'll do something a little different.

- Friday night after the mass, some of us spent the night playing boardgames. Sound kinda boring, but it was fun, it was sort of quick get away from the week we had just had. Saturday after the funeral was a gathering at my house. Alot of us didn't want to leave, I missed my nephews costume party, but the FPOE, ATP and I made up for it. Dank + Inception = crazy. Hahaha.

- We passed out and woke up feeling like ass. I don't know why but it felt like I was hung over. It was 11 and the house was empty. So we got up and left to catch breakfast at Over Easy. Dopest place for breakfast. My love for the breakfast has been rekindled. If only they opened before 7am, I'd be there everyday.

- Went to Group Seven. 30% almost everything. Not sure if the sale is still on, but hurry and go. I gotta check back at that place sometime this week for Simpsons Series II vinyl toys. Copped a sweater and we went home.

- Didn't go trick or treating this year. I know, I'm old as fck, but I wanted to go for the novelty of it and to see if I'd actually get any candy. I did however, catch the series premier of Walking Dead. So awesome. Looks very promising and true to the 'zombie' premise. It's one of the few shows I've set up series recordings for next to Big Bang Theory, CSI, The Office and Hells Kitchen.

- Dropped my Aunt off at the airport this morning. Woke up at around 4:50am. I'm still feeling groggy, but at least I showed up to work early.

And just because, another WDYWT?

Air Max 97 "Silver Bullet"

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