Parks & Recreation Season 4

It took a while for me to grab this, but I am finally caught up with the collection. I highly recommend this show to you.


What was great about this DVD set was the "Knope 2012" sticker it came with.

King Sh-t 5.1

I never miss out on a chance to grab the new King Sh-t Mag and neither should you. Such a dope cover as well featuring Nick Moore throwing himself down a crazy set of stairs.

Los Angeles Lakers x Wilt Chamberlain [1971-1972]

Welcome to a special edition of Jersey Sunday. I know it's Monday, but I'm making an exception because I was waiting for this to come through the mail and since the post office is closed on weekends, I'm letting it slip. Also, it's my blog and I do what I want. But to the jersey, on hand is a gem I won on eBay at the final second. This is a player I have always wanted for a long time and even though it doesn't fit very well, I'm still stoked to add it in my collection. Here is my Los Angeles Lakers Wilt Chamberlain jersey made by Mitchell and Ness.


Any jersey of "The Big Dipper" would be appropriate, whether it's his Warriors, Sixers, or even Globetrotters. But when I saw this Lakers item going for a very reasonable price, I was not hesitant at all placing my bid. The materials, detail, and construction are admirable with stitched double layer tackle twill making up the letters and numbers.


The jock tag at the bottom displays his best season in Tinsel Town. Although he has had a tremendous career with his previous teams, this entry will be more focused on his years wearing the gold and forum blue.


Born as Wilton Norman Chamberlain on 21 August 1936 in Philadelphia, PA, he attended Overbrook High School before playing with the Kansas University Jayhawks [1956-58]. In 1959, after spending a season with the Harlem Globetrotters, the Philadelphia Warriors selected the 7'1" 250 lbs center as a territorial draft pick. He would go on to win Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player, the first athlete to obtain those honours in the NBA. In the 1961-62 season, he averaged an unimaginative 50 points per game, and on 2 March 1962, he scored the untouchable 100 points against the New York Knicks in Hershey, PA. Roughly attended by 4, 000 people, the untelevised event only lives on through radio broadcast and eyewitness accounts.


In 1963, the Warriors franchised moved to San Francisco, CA. However, he would move back to Philadelphia in a trade with the 76ers. In 1967, Wilt Chamberlain would win hist first NBA Championship along with his second MVP trophy. The 60's would be a memorable decade for basketball fans as they witnessed a great rivalry between "Goliath" and Boston Celtics' center Bill Russell.


Before the 1968 season, Wilt Chamberlain was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, making it the first time a reigning MVP was sent to another team. Although his numbers fell, he helped provide leadership amongst his squad with future Hall-of-Famers Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. They would advance to the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, a team coached by the first African-American in league history; Bill Russell. In a controversial decision, Coach Van Breda Kolff benched his starting center in the final minutes of Game 7 in The Forum and would lose again to his counterpart. At the end of that season, he average 20.9 PPG and 21.1 RPG.


In the 1969-70 season, Wilt was limited to only twelve games due to injury. He averaged 27.3 PPG and 18.4 RPG, respectively, and rejoined just in time for the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Lakers would lose in the NBA Finals to the New York Knicks in one of the greatest comebacks in league history as the injured Willis Reed made an unexpected return to the starting lineup inspiring his team to win the title.


In the 1971 season, he averaged 20 PPG and 18 RPG leading the league in rebounding once again and helped the Lakers into the post-season. Although they coasted through the playoffs, they lost in the Western Conference Championship series to the eventual Milwaukee Bucks, led by the younger Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.


The 1971-72 season would be a staple year for Wilt Chamberlain. His Lakers won 33 consecutive games, a record which still stands to this day. He also became the all time leader in rebounds grabbing 21,772 boards. While averaging 15 PPG [the lowest of his career], he collected his 10th rebounding title with 19 RPG and took his team to another playoff run. In one of the greatest matches of all time against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and his Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles eliminated them in 6 games en route to the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks. In 5 games against the Knicks, he averaged 20+ PPG and 20+ RPG, a performance that earned him his second NBA Championship and the NBA Finals MVP Award, which was inaugurated into the league just 5 years earlier.


The next season would be his last as a player. While averaging 13 PPG and 19 RPG, he collected his 11th and final rebounding title. However, he would average an outstanding .727 FG%, beating his own record 8 years earlier. It remains a league record to this day. He would also play in his last NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, but would unfortunately lose in 5 games. After that season, he would jump ship to the rival American Basketball Association as a coach for the San Diego Conquistadors. After a losing season with The Qs, he completely retired from the game of basketball at the age of 37.


In October 1999, Wilt Chamberlain passed away at the age of 63. A great loss mourned by all in the basketball community, he left behind an unmatched legacy 54 years after his professional debut. He is still remembered greatly through his colleagues, writers, teammates, and friends.


Career Highlights and Achievements:
1, 045 games played, 31, 419 total points [30.1 PPG], 23, 924 total rebounds [22.9 RPG], 4, 643 total assists [4.4 APG]
Rookie of the Year [1960]
2x NBA Champion [1967, 1972]
NBA Finals MVP [1972]
4x MVP [1960, 1967-68]
13x NBA All-Star [1960-69, 1970-73]
NBA All-Star Game MVP [1960]
7× NBA scoring champion [1960–66]
11× NBA rebounding champion [1960–63, 1966–69, 1971–73]
NBA 35th Anniversary Team
NBA 50th Anniversary Team
Scored 100 points against the New York Knicks on 2 March 1962
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee [1978]
College Basketball Hall of Fame [2006]
His #13 is retired by the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers.
More of his records and feats can be found here.

“Everything is habit forming, so make sure what you do is what you want to be doing.”
- Wilt Chamberlain

The Office Season 8

Finally got a copy of The Office Season 8 through an awesome seller on Kijiji.

The Deathwish Video

Finally grabbed a copy of the long awaited video from Deathwish Skateboards cleverly titled The Deathwish Video. I remember watching a clip a while back and Jim Greco stated it was supposed to come out in October 2010. That totally panned out, but better late than never. I have been a big fan of these guys for the longest time and seeing new footy from some of my favourite riders is the best way to kick off the warm skate weather season. Bummer that it will not include Antwuan Dixon, but seeing his situation, it was obvious. Grab a copy from your local shop ASAP.

42

Yesterday afternoon, my brother and I caught the movie 42 starring Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford. Being the avid baseball fan I am, this was a must-see. It tells the story of Jackie Robinson [Boseman], the first African-American to enter the professional baseball and Branch Rickey [Ford], the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who signed him to the team. An important piece of world history in the form of a motion picture, I encourage everyone, baseball fan or not, to see it ASAP.



Please check out my Jersey Sunday x Jackie Robinson [1955] entry.

The Rolling Stones x Some Girls Deluxe Edition

Back when I said I needed on more of this band's album, this was it. Some Girls, released in 1978, was what most writers called The Rolling Stones' comeback album after many attempts to create a new sound. Re-released as a 2-disc Deluxe Edition format in 2009 and includes 12 new tracks, most of the stores that carried this had a very high price tag. However, one particular mall had the wrong lowered price marked on it and I grabbed it once that mistake was corrected. This is one of the greatest works by The Rolling Stones and like all the albums I pick up, you should definitely check it out.

Converse Chuck Taylor Lows x Green Day x Dookie

Just this passed Saturday, I tripped down to Get Outside and grabbed a pair of sneakers I've been wanting since they popped up on the Internet. Now in my possession are the Converse Chuck Taylor Lows Green Day Dookie collabo. The detail on these shoes are insane and I think I've found another set of kicks for display purposes only. I know I've said to myself I was out of the collecting hobby, but these brought me right back in.

Gracing the side walls of the sneakers are images taken from the band's staple album Dookie realeased in 1994. Growing up in that whole grunge/alternative era, this was the album to listen to. Even to this day, I continue to listen to it. I was stoked to see it listed as one of the greatest albums of all time and I encourage you to hear it out some time soon. Furthermore, if Converse wasn't involved in this at all, I don't think any other brand would be a legitimate choice for this mash-up.

I thought this was a neat feature; the tongue on the right shoes lists the first seven tracks of the CD and the left lists the last seven in that unique handwritten font found throughout the booklet.

Last, but not least, is the iconic logo on the heel that needs no explanation at all. Classic.

David Bowie x The Next Day

The Next Day is the latest offering from legendary artist David Bowie. Released ten years after his last record, The Next Day kind of reminds of the reason why you got into him in the first place with unique sounds and vocals. What's also very interesting is the artwork of the sleeve by cleverly placing and altering his other classic album, Heroes. Expect to see more of his CDs pop up on my blog in the near future.


Where Are We Now?


The Stars (Are Out Tonight)

Going Big

Going Big is an ESPN documentary focusing on Sam Bowie, the 2nd pick of the 1984 NBA Draft for the Portland Trailblazers ahead of future Hall-of-Famer, Michael Jordan. Over the course of history, he has forever been called a "bust" and not living up to the rest of the draft class' expectations. This doc goes deep into the archives of Sam Bowie's life and is definitely a must-see for basketball fans.

Dime Turd Season

Dime Turd Season is now online in is full entirety! Such sick skating from Canadian ams and pros like JS Lappierre, Antoine Asselin, and Wade Desarmo just to name a few.

Jimi Hendrix x People, Hell & Angels

People, Hell & Angels is a posthumous album from the late great Jimi Hendrix featuring unreleased tracks and a few other artists he has collaborated with. A few instrumental surprises also help add enjoyment to your listening pleasure. Released 33 years after his passing, this album is definitely worth getting for the novice and "experienced" fan.


People, Hell & Angels presented by Eddie Kramer

The Rolling Stones x Grrr!

Now that I have collected the quadfecta of Rolling Stones albums [even though one more album is on my list], it's safe to finally end it all with this album. Grrr! is a collection of the band's top 48 tracks over the passed 50 years and features two new songs [Doom and Gloom, One More Shot]. A stellar record, it's something I believe all old and new fans will enjoy.




Doom & Gloom
Viewer Discretion Advised

The Rolling Stones x Let It Bleed

The first album to feature Mick Taylor on guitar, Let It Bleed contains some of the most memorable songs ever played by the Rolling Stones. Listed at #32 of Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, it's definitely the most artistic album in the band's repertoire.


The Rolling Stones feat. Lady Gaga x Gimmie Shelter

No Age x Nouns

No Age x Eraser

Toronto Maple Leafs x Mats Sundin [2000-2007]

Welcome back to my latest Jersey Sunday! This piece has been on my "Want list" for quite some time. It took a lot of clearing out to get this item, but I can finally cross it off that list. Here we have my Toronto Maple Leafs Mats Sundin jersey made by CCM in the beautiful dark blue colourway.


I purchased this from an online seller and talked him down to a very fair price. I previously owned a Maple Leafs uniform before, however, I sold it in order to buy this which made me much more happy. The details are incredible with triple layered tackle twill in silver, blue, and white for the numbers and letters stitched onto a plate in the very unique font the team used in that era.


Born in Stockholm Sweden, Mats Sundin was the first European native to be drafted 1st overall when the Quebec Nordiques selected him in 1989, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired him in a trade in June of 1994. Although the season was shortened that time, he led the team in points with 47 [1 point/game]and scored his second highest points total the next year with 94. During the 1996-97 season, he was appointed the team's new captain in the hopes of leading them to a brighter future.


Between the late 90s to early 00s, Mats Sundin would continue to improve, constantly leading the team in points. At the beginning of the 2006-07 season, he reached the 500 goals mark in a hat-trick fashion. The next season, he netted his 390th goal and scoring his 917th point as a Maple Leafs player becoming the franchise's all-time leader in those two categories. Later in the year, he became the first player in the team's longstanding history to score 400 goals. Although this time frame was very noteworthy for the club and player, they still had low success in reaching the Stanley Cup Finals due to late round eliminations or their inability to seed in the standings.


In his later years with blue and white, they failed to make the post-season three straight years causing fan frustration with management and players. By the end of the 2008 season, the free agent captain signed with the Vancouver Canucks where he would eventually finish his career. Forever a Maple Leaf to the city of Toronto, when it comes to the records and history books; Mats Sundin stands alone.


Mats Sundin competed for his native Sweden on 15 separate occasions winning three gold medals in the World Championships [1991, 1992, 1998] and a gold medal in the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.


Career Highlights and Achievements:
1346 NHL games played, 564 goals, 785 assists, 1349 points, 9x NHL All-Star [1996-2004], Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee [2012], Maple Leafs all-time leader in goals [420], and points [967].
On 2 February 2012,  his #13 was honoured in a pre-game ceremony at the Air Canada Centre.

"With the fans and the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, the way I've been treated here has been awesome." - Mats Sundin

Nike SB x Dunk Low Pro

A pretty sweet pickup from Adrift a little while ago. Last pair, last size, 70% off! Can't go wrong.


Justin Brock x Debacle [2010]

All Hail Cardiel!

This happened early December last year, but I thought it would be great to share. I was working an unscheduled shift downtown fully unaware Vans was opening a flagship store in the city. On my usual calorie burning walk to the train staion, I noticed chalkboard out front bearing "All Hail Cardiel," so of course I stepped in.


Low and behold, to my surprise, John Cardiel, the skate legend himself, was DJing in the middle of the store. Of course only a handful of people inside knew of him and all these hipster blokes were waiting on custom made hats. But this was definitely an incredible moment and could not leave without meeting him.



It took a while, but I was able to grab a pic with him. He's completely down to earth and had only the best things to say about Canada. This was one of those moments I'll cherish 'til I'm six feet under. All hail Cardiel!


Thrasher x SOTY Video x John Cardiel [2003]

St. Louis Blues x Brett Hull [1995-98]

Welcome to another Jersey Sunday entry. Even though I am a little late with the deadline, it's my blog and i do what I like. I think I'm nearing the end of my collection since there are very few items still left to customize. This week's piece is my St. Louis Blues Brett Hull jersey, the style he wore at the tail end of his career with the team. This is a really important addition to me considering The Golden Brett was one of my favourite players growing up.


The style of this sweater is very unique and pretty rare to find, especially the Starter brand. Like I said before, Starter made the best replica jerseys with the double layered elbows and embroidered logos. The detail on this is great with the triple coloured twill and specially cut numbers to work with the lines. I was able to obtain this jersey through a trade with an online seller. Pickering Pro Image added icing the cake by adding the "C" on the chest.


This snapback cap made by CCM is another great vintage item that goes well with the jersey. Definitely a perfect match!



Son of the legendary Bobby Hull, the American-Canadian was drafted 117th overall by the Calgary Flames in 1984 and made his pro debut 2 years later. In 1987, he was traded to the St. Louis Blues where he would step out of his father's shadow and into the history books for the organization and the league during the next eleven seasons. The 1989-90 season, his first full year in the league, he netted an incredible 78 goals and received the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for his sportsmanlike play. In the 1990-91 season, he became the fifth player to score 50 goals in 50 games winning The Hart Trophy and The Lester B. Pearson Award. He would repeat that goal scoring performance again the following year. Between 1989-1994, he strung 5 straight seasons of scoring over 50 goals.


On December 22, 1996, Brett Hull scored his 500th NHL goal becoming one half of the only father-son combo to reach that total. It adds so much to his legacy for me since my birthday is on the same day.


By 1998, the unrestricted free agent signed with the Dallas Stars where he would finally win a Stanley Cup Championship after 13 years in the league. In 2001, he signed with the Detroit Red Wings winning his second Stanley Cup in his first season with that club. In 2005, he would finish his career after a very brief stint with the Phoenix Coyotes coached by his former Blues teammate; Wayne Gretzky.


Brett Hull competed internationally suiting up for Team USA on six different occasions, most notably twice for the Winter Olympics in 1998 and 2002.


Career Highlights and Achievements:
1269 games played, 741 goals [3rd best of all time], 560 assists, 1391 points, 2x Stanley Cup Champion [1998, 2002], Hart Trophy [1991], Lester B. Pearson Award [1991], Lady Byng Memorial Trophy [1990], First Team All-Star [1990-'92], 8x NHL All-Star [1989, 1990, 1992-'94, 1996-'97, 2001], US Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee [2008], Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee [2008].


On 5 December 2006, the St. Louis Blues retired the #16 in his honour. The city of St. Louis also named a part of the street by the Scottrade Center "Brett Hull Way."


On 9 October 2010, the team unveiled a large bronze statue of their former right winger in front of their home stadium.


One of my most memorable memories of Brett Hull was his Noma Snow Racer ad that came on during Saturday morning cartoons. I'm very sure it takes you back as well.

"You have to know how to score." - Brett Hull