Best Foot Forward: A Sneaker Series (Part 5)

We are rolling right along into the fifth installment of this series on my blog. So far I’ve covered some of my favorite personal pairs, including timeless staples in the sneaker culture and some unique pairs in my collection, but today’s post is all about the essentials. The four pairs of shoes selected for today’s post could easily keep you covered for any occasion, and if I had to pair my collection down to just a few pairs of shoes, it would look something a lot like this. Let’s take a look.

Pair 1 (Upper Left): Converse Chuck 70 Low in Black / White

Converse Chuck Taylors are undeniably a culturally iconic sneaker. By the 1980’s, nearly every American had at least one pair of Converse in their closet. Comfortable, stylish, and diverse enough for any outfit, Chuck Taylors are one of the easiest pairs to wear on a daily basis. Converse has released an updated and modern version of the Chuck Taylor, the Chuck 70 pictured here, which are even more comfortable and well-made than their predecessor. These are a must-have for any collection.

Pair 2 (Upper Right): Adidas Ultra Boost 1.0 in White

The Adidas Ultra Boost took the sneaker world by storm in 2015-’16 after Kanye West wore them on stage during multiple performances. One of the most comfortable shoes available on the market as a whole, the Ultra Boost has become one of the most abundant and respectable models that Adidas has to offer. I was lucky enough to buy the highly-coveted triple white pair at retail price when they first released, and while they are much dirtier than I would like them to be, I’m still very grateful to have this pair in my collection.

Pair 3 (Lower Left): Air Jordan 1 Retro “Chicago”

The very first part of this sneaker series covered the Air Jordan 1 in the “Bred” colorway, and I called this silhouette my favorite shoe of all time, which is still true. The “Chicago” colorway is just as culturally iconic as the “Bred” pair, worn by Michael Jordan during his rookie season in the NBA. Multiple lace color options, black, white, and red, give this sneaker an entirely different vibe. I tend to stick with black for the most part, just as MJ did, but you can’t go wrong with the white laces, either. This is many sneakerhead’s “grail” sneaker, and the resell market reflects that. Thankfully, this pair is rumored to be returning next year, so I may just have to double up if possible.

Pair 4 (Lower Right): Timberland 6-Inch Construction Boot in Brown

6-inch Timberland boots are another staple in streetwear culture. These boots have a deeply intimate relationship with New York City, and that popularity has trickled down to nearly every other fashion-forward city in the country. These are to be rocked with confidence and attitude on a cold winter day, and I’m all for it.

I’m not sure how many more posts will come out of this series, but there will be at least one more that I know of. I hope to continue to inform whoever reads these posts about the history behind something that I thoroughly enjoy. Thanks for reading.

Movie Review: Once Upon A Time In... Hollywood

A week-long beach vacation has made me calm, relaxed, primed and ready to return to posting consistently on this blog. I have a few ideas for posts in mind which will be coming soon, and this one is first: a review of Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood. Let’s waste no time and just jump right into it.

Quentin Tarantino is rightfully regarded as one of Hollywood’s most eclectic and unique directors with a filmography of modern classics such as Pulp Fiction (one of my favorite films), Inglourious Basterds, and Kill Bill, all of which unapologetically defer from usual Hollywood tropes and story-telling techniques. Tarantino’s use of sharp dialogue, sometimes exaggerated violence, and atypical pacing and direction have become signatures for this accomplished film maker. Tarantino is also a not a stranger to revising history and real-world events in his films, and his most recent release is no exception here, in the telling of an alternate 1960’s Hollywood based in many real world events but graced with larger than life twists in a telling of what could have been. Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood serves as a love letter from Tarantino to an era of Hollywood which is clearly nostalgic for him, and that nostalgia translates very much from this movie to the audience watching it. Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Rick Dalton and Brad Pitt’s character Cliff Booth play off of one another extraordinarily well, and the comedic chemistry between the two makes this one of Tarantino’s funniest films to date. Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Sharon Tate felt authentic and respectful, which I expected from such an accomplished actress in Robbie. Cameos throughout kept me entertained and interested, and the story comes to a satisfying end. While this film is far from perfect, there are many enjoyable aspects that kept me engaged for the entire 2 hour and 45 minute runtime.

With all of that being said, anyone looking for or needing a gripping and heavily plot-driven narrative story may not thoroughly enjoy this film. While the story makes brilliant use of Chekhov’s Gun and has an incredibly satisfying final twenty minutes packed full of tension and usual Tarantino chaos, the film’s dialogue driven nature and lack of tension could be seen as a negative for the type of fan hoping for something more typical in today’s fast-paced cinematic climate. Another issue I had with the film was that I did not know enough about Charles Manson and Sharon Tate going into the film. Of course I can only blame myself for this, but after reading more about their history once I had left the theater, I found that I would have enjoyed the story a lot more had I understand the revisions Tarantino had made from the real life tragic events on which this film is based. Anyone with an understanding of Tarantino’s unique style, an appreciation for 1960’s Hollywood, and knowledge of Sharon Tate’s life story will absolutely adore this movie, and I expect it to perform well once Oscar nomination season approaches.

This was an enjoyable film from beginning to end that I left the theater feeling happy having seen it. I can perfectly envision the kind of person who would rate this film higher and who would enjoy lots of aspects of it more thoroughly, but I am just not that audience member. This was certainly a good movie that is a must-see for any Tarantino fans, but it is not his best project to date, and instead more of a passion project driven by nostalgia and history for the eclectic director. I am excited for whatever Tarantino’s 10th and final film ends up being about, and this movie will tide me over until then. Hi-ya!

SCORE: 7/10

Album Review: The Big Day - Chance The Rapper

The big day is here. Chicago native Chance The Rapper who wears his city on his sleeve, after his three critically acclaimed mixtapes 10 Day, Acid Rap, and Coloring Book, has finally released his debut album: The Big Day. Although there were no singles released to promote this project, I went in with high expectations and hopes for a breakout project that would cement Chance as one of the more unique artists carving his own lane in a recently oversaturated and commercialized rap genre. Unfortunately this project did not live up to my hopeful expectations, and I was very disappointed by Chano here. Let me explain why.

The first few tracks on this project started off strong. “All Day Long” and “Do You Remember” came with the usual Chance ad-libs, nostalgia, and lyricism we’ve come to know and love from him. After that, besides a couple of gems such as “Roo”, “Handsome” and my personal favorite “Sun Come Down”, this album really took a nosedive for me. Some of the production, lyricism, and overall sound from some of these tracks is just completely sub-par for an overly loaded 22-track debut album, and some tracks are just simply unlistenable for me, like “Hot Shower” and the title scream-heavy title track.

I was also disappointed by the features chosen for this project. Instead of featuring Chicago icons and talent like Kanye West or Noname as Chance has done in the past, he instead decided to feature John Legend, Shawn Mendes, and Nicki Minaj (twice?!) which seems like another step by Chance toward a more washed and commercial sound that is not as authentic to his sound as 10 Day or Acid Rap. Those who thought that Coloring Book was a regression for Chance from his original sound will be sorely disappointed by the direction this project takes.

No clear themes are established lyrically or narratively which is unfortunate for a track listing which lasts an unnecessary hour and 17 minutes. There is so much potential for a story to be told dynamically on this project, but I feel like Chance missed his mark and couldn’t accomplish what he set out to do with this album. If he continues on this downward trajectory, I’m worried that he will become just another voice getting lost in a completely saturated field. This album isn’t bad necessarily, but it could’ve been so much more coming from who used to be one of the most dynamic artists in the entire rap genre. I really wanted this one to be better.

SCORE: 2/10

2019-'20 NBA Record Predictions That Will Probably Be Wrong

It seems that the chaos that has been the last few weeks of the NBA off-season is slowly starting to settle down. We now have a pretty good idea as to who will be playing on each team and can now start predicting how new pairings will mesh together as well as whether unchanged teams will be able to return to form come tip-off time in the fall. This post will be predicting and explaining the records of the NBA teams I believe will make the playoffs next season. I’m likely very, very wrong here, but hopefully my reasoning is logical enough to follow. Also, no, I don’t think either my Bulls or Hawks will make it unfortunately. That being said, let's get into it.

Eastern Conference:

1. Milwaukee Bucks (58-24): The young Bucks led the way in the Eastern Conference last season, and having only made minor but effective moves this off-season, I see them leading the pack again in 2019-20. Last season’s league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo recently stated that he thinks he’s only performing at 60% of his potential, which if true, should terrify the league. The Bucks are in good hands with Mike Budenholzer at the helm as head coach, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a finals run by Milwaukee next year.

2. Philadelphia 76ers (56-26): Another case of youth which has trusted the process finds itself in the #2 spot of the Eastern Conference in my projections. The acquisition of Al Horford makes Philly’s front court of he and Joel Embiid one of most fearsome big-men duos in the league. A lack of shooters may give the 76ers some difficulty against certain opponents, especially come playoff time, but not enough to keep them under 50 wins next season.

3. Boston Celtics (52-30): Swapping out Kyrie Irving and putting in Kemba Walker at the point guard position shouldn’t be too much of a hiccup for this young Boston team. Gordon Hayward is increasingly returning to his pre-injury form, and young talent like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continue to impress. It may take some time for this newly assembled unit to maximize their chemistry together, but I see another good season coming out of Boston next year.

4. Indiana Pacers (50-32): Assuming that Victor Oladipo plays at his usual pre-injury level, I see Indiana as being a tough team next season. There isn’t much to be said here besides the fact that I do not think Indiana will regress next season, but instead improve and show that they’re a team worthy of praise.

5. Brooklyn Nets (46-26): This is why I absolutely hate injuries in the NBA. It will be another year until we see Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant play alongside one another due to KD’s achilles injury which will likely sideline him for the 2019-20 season. I still see Brooklyn being incredibly fun to watch, but nowhere near the top of their conference and likely a first round exit come playoff time. Come back in ‘20-’21.

6. Toronto Raptors (45-27): It isn’t over for Toronto even though Kawhi Leonard is gone. This was a team good enough to make it to and win an NBA Finals against tough competition because of spirit, grit, determination, and heart. Nick Nurse will lead this team back to the playoffs, and I expect another valiant effort from the Canada-representing NBA champs next season.

7. Miami Heat (43-29): Any team who lands Jimmy G. Buckets is likely to benefit, at least on the court, from such an acquisition. I’m excited to see what kind of fight this team has to give next season, and won’t be surprised when the Heat return to the playoffs next season.

8. Orlando Magic (41-31): The Orlando Magic are slowly just surely cementing their spot as the constant 7/8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon will power their way to north of 40 wins, just enough to be eliminated by a far superior team in the first round of the playoffs.

Western Conference:

1. Los Angeles … Clippers (62-20): Not only did the LA Clippers entice two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to join their squad, which would’ve been a feat enough in its own right, but they were also able to pair him with perennial NBA all-star and defensive beast Paul George. The defensive ceiling for this team is sky high with Patrick Beverly, PG, and the Klaw harassing opposing offensive units on every possession. I just don’t see this not working.

2. Denver Nuggets (58-24): This team is so much fun to watch. Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray’s chemistry will continue to develop as Denver makes their way back toward the top of a very stacked Western Conference playoff picture next year.

3. Utah Jazz (55-27): No one should be sleeping on the Utah Jazz, especially after landing underrated all-star Mike Conley this off-season. Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, and Joe Inges continue to prove their worthiness to be considered as one of the top squads in the West, and maybe this is the year that they make another real playoff push.

4. Houston Rockets (54-28): While everyone is excited that Houston acquired Russell Westbrook from the Oklahoma City Thunder, I’m wary of how this pairing will be able to perform on the court. You can read more about that in my post here. Houston, to me, just doesn’t have the play style that it’s going to take to win it all in this new NBA-era. I expect a decent season, but another playoff disappointment resulting in an early departure accompanied by lots of finger-pointing.

5. Los Angeles Lakers (50-32): The Lakers would be much higher in my projected rankings if they hadn’t traded away their entire roster for Anthony Davis. I’m sure LeBron and The Brow will be dominant on most nights, and the Lakers were smart to not acquire a third superstar which would’ve negated any possible depth they’ve added to their roster, but I’m still worried about any possible injuries as The King continues to add mileage. Any team with LeBron James isn’t going to show their teeth during the regular season, anyway, so the 5 seed seems appropriate here.

6. Portland Trailblazers (49-33): It feels like a disservice to put Portland this low on the list. Damian Lillard and company continually show how much spirit and ingenuity they have to knock teams out of the playoffs in the most unforgettable ways possible. Any team that has to go up against Portland come playoff time has their work cut out for them.

7. Golden State Warriors (47-35): I think Golden State Warrior fans are still in denial. The superteam’s run will never be forgotten and the highlights will always be entertaining, but this just isn’t the same team anymore. Kevin Durant is now a Brooklyn Net and Klay Thompson will likely miss a majority of the upcoming season due to injury. D’Angelo Russell will need to acclimate to Golden State’s system, and their depth is nearly non-existent in losing Andre Iguodala and Quinn Cook. The Warriors will almost definitely be a first-round exit next year, but it will be fun to watch Stephen Curry put on a show all season long.

8. San Antonio Spurs (46-36): With Gregg Popovich leading things, it’s almost impossible to count the Spurs out of the playoff hunt. DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge still pair together nicely, and there’s enough depth here to land a playoff spot. Tim Duncan joining SAS as an assistant coach will likely help things as well.

Next season is setting up to be one of the most authentically entertaining in recent memory. A sense of seeming parity makes me excited but also makes these sort of predictions difficult to make, which is why my listings are likely to come back as wholly inaccurate. I hope that the logic behind my projections makes enough sense. I can’t wait for the return of NBA basketball. How do you think things will shake up?

Why, As A Fan, I'm Excited For The Chicago Bears' Future

Growing up a fan of Chicago sports teams has taught me the valuable life lesson of never letting your hopes get too high. This was all but completely validated when the Bears lost Super Bowl XLI to Peyton Manning’s Indianapolis Colts in 2007 and 8-year-old me was heartbroken. Even after last season’s nightmarish ending to an otherwise very successful year and a difficult schedule in the upcoming season, I’m optimistic for the Chicago Bears’ chances moving forward. Here’s why.

The first factor that leads me to find confidence in my navy and orange toting team is the lack of competition in their NFC North division. The Minnesota Vikings may give the Bears a run for their money in taking clinching a spot in the playoffs by winning the division, but a rebuilding Green Bay and a struggling Detroit almost guarantee 3-4 wins for Chicago next season. I’m hoping that another impressive defensive showing from Chicago is enough to propel them to the 11-12 wins likely needed to win their division.

Another factor that has me excited for next season is a healthy and maturing offense. Although they ranked #21 overall offensively last season, QB Mitchell Trubisky has had a long off-season to improve and make adjustments to his game. What I consider a stacked backfield and skilled receiver core should make Trubisky’s job relatively easy despite the challenging opponents Chicago will face next season.

The final and main factor that has me excited for the Chicago Bears’ next season and future in general is an absolute powerhouse defensive unit. Headed by Pro Bowler Khalil Mack, the Bears defensive unit may not be able to again rank #1 overall defensively, but they should still be a force to reckoned with for opposing offenses. I expect a high amount of forced turnovers and low points allowed again for Chicago. It isn’t Bears football without some high quality defense, right?

While there may be a regression from last year’s promising season, and there are still factors to consider such as a lack of a competent kicker and a difficult upcoming schedule, I’m going against my learned apprehension as a Chicago sports fan and am choosing to be optimistic and excited for the future of the Chicago Bears. Hopefully my dreams aren’t double-doinked into oblivion all over again.