Remember when you weren’t able to watch any movie you wanted at any time? Many may not remember commercial breaks = toilet breaks during movies, or video rental shops, but it was a wonderful era. It was always a highlight for us when a certain movie aired on TV, or our parents rented it from the video store to surprise us. Things like that were always a source of great excitement.
‘The Sandlot‘ (1993) was a popular movie that really touched a lot of people when they were young. It was about friendship, joyful summers, as well as growing up and learning together. Many of us would look back at this movie with nostalgia and fondness.
Afew Goods tried to capture this feeling and the kids’ styles in a small capsule collection entitled the ‘Ballpark’.
The Afew Goods ‘Ballpark’ collection includes a Striped Tee (€55 EUR), Ballpark Tee (€45 EUR), the Sandlot Cap (€48 EUR), and the highlight of the collection, the Baseball Shirt (€85 EUR). The colours and graphics are inspired by the movie. The baseball gear and the tops are all made of 100% Heavyweight 240grams/m² Organic Cotton and feature a comfy Loose-Fit. All items are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified, fairly and sustainably produced in Portugal, and refined in Germany.
The Afew Goods ‘Ballpark’ collection will be released at the Afew Goods web store on Wednesday the 22nd of September at 12:00PM CEST. To stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For previous Afew Goods features, click here.
We briefly had a chat with Yujun Chen, the young energetic entrepreneur and founder of the immensely popular sneaker bag brand KICKS KASE.
Do you still remember the time when you first got into sneakers and the culture?
I had some interest in shoes and sneakers from about the age of 18. Initially started collecting Supra shoes (not sure if anyone knows this brand now) and by the age of 21, I somewhat accidentally stumbled into the world of Jordans.
I saw the Jordan 1s that JAY-Zwas wearing in the OTIS music video and wanted a pair like that. No idea what they were because i knew nothing about Jordan’s.
On a trip to the USA I found myself at Flight clubNew York and saw a pair of Bred Jordan 1’s so I bought it for (at the time) $500. This was an insane amount of money to spend on shoes for me being a uni student. To be honest I didn’t know exactly what they were, I was just looking for a pair of Bred Jordan 1s. I wouldn’t have even known the difference between a Jordan 1 mid or a Jordan 1 high. Turns out I bought the 2011 Jordan 1 Banned (Editors Note: StockX last SOLD US size 9: A$6,882!!!) and that would be the beginning for my love of Jordans.
Navy/Black
University Blue Suede
Black Camo/Orange
Any particular favourite sneaker silhouette?
My favourite sneakers would have to be the Bred 1’sand Bred 4’s.
Red/Black Split Camo
What made you decide to venture into the world of sneaker bags?
I was always entrepreneurial even from a very young age. I was always trying to improve existing systems and bridging cracks to common problems.
2 years ago I found out about sneaker bags when I saw them online. Being entrepreneurial at heart it didn’t take me long to see a gap in the market.
Black/Navy
I wanted to create a brand that was more reasonably priced (particularly for us buying from Australia) but wasn’t cheaply made like some of the lower priced bags at the time.
I also wanted to see more range in colours and patterns.
I never thought the brand would take off like it has and 2 years in it has grown massively. We have a strong presence in the Australian and US sneaker scene. Most of our popular colorways like the breds, are always in demand.
Black Camo/Orange
Black Camo/Green
What are your plans for the future for KICKS KASE?
I would like to see this brand grow stronger and establish a good name in the market. I think there’s a place for kicks kase to sit along the global competition.
Any advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs?
Make sure you execute and move. As long as the loss isn’t going to hurt you hugely financially then just execute, learn, make adjustments and repeat.
Peep their dope collection of sneaker bags at kickskase.com.au and use our exclusive 15% off promo code during check out: “TKS”.
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Under Armour Run’s newest model, the Flow Velociti SE, follows in the footsteps of the Flow Velociti Wind with its all-in-one cushioning system that allows you to keep running for miles. The new Flow Velociti SE running shoe enhances the feeling of light and effortless speed with the absence of sensation in the upper—producing an incredibly balanced experience with several added comfort benefits.
THE UA FLOW EVOLUTION STORY & WHAT’S NEW WITH THE FLOW SE
When creating the Flow Velociti Wind—the first shoe within the Flow series that launched earlier this year— the Under Armour footwear innovation team focused on a simple idea: how to create a shoe that’s built for speed and breaking barriers. The solution was to remove the heaviest part of the shoe – the outsole, without sacrificing durability or traction. The Flow Velociti SE features the same cushioning system that is responsive, grippy, and supportive all in one. The singular-foam compound eliminates the rubber outsole, enabling Under Armour to create an innovative, high-traction running shoe. Despite sharing this midsole, the Flow Velociti SE is entirely its own shoe within the Flow family, complete with new technology in the upper that offers a different experience for the runner.
The new Flow Velociti SE provides unparalleled responsiveness, energy return and grippy traction that allows you to run with confidence. New for the Flow Velociti SE, the upper of the shoe is a flat knit with mechanical stretch, great breathability where you need it, and structure over the metatarsal for added support and security. The upper of the Flow Velociti SE features a clean simplistic look that’s one with your foot, with infused woven TPU yarn around the midfoot and heel. The strength of the TPU yarns adds security with minimal weight. This gives the runner a more secure and consistent fit over the life of the shoe — a unique design to Under Armour knit uppers.
The new balanced Flow Velociti SE gives the runner an absence of sensation while commanding speed. A full knit tongue and added cushioning around the collar and heel ensure premium comfort during any run. It is also digitally-connected to MapMyRun, offering real-time, personalized coaching tips to improve form, helping athletes run farther and faster.
MORE ON UNDER ARMOUR FLOW – THE ALL-IN-ONE CUSHIONING SYSTEM
Under Armour Flow disrupts the design of a traditional running shoe by completely eliminating the rubber outsole, reducing the 2-3 ounces of weight that it adds, on average, from a traditional running shoe. Under Armour Flow is the lightest midsole technology in Under Armour’s current running line-up, bringing unparalleled lightweight cushion and long-lasting technology to the run category. The foam has naturally sticky traction, so traditional bulky overlays of the past aren’t needed.
Under Armour Flow came from the minds of Under Armour’s Footwear Innovation Team in Portland, Oregon, who partnered with some of the world’s best material science companies to bring a completely new footwear experience. They focused on the simple idea: how can we make it feel like the wind is at your back with every stride? The solution: think outside the box by eliminating the traditional rubber outsole completely, all while providing comfort, flexibility and traction with every step.
The development of Under Armour Flow was executed in partnership between Dow and the Under Armour team including Innovation, Product Design, Biomechanics, Athlete and Consumer Insights groups, and many others – with over fifty people involved in collectively bringing this new technology to fruition. Over 130 elite athletes ran over 11,000 miles during the wear testing process during the Under Armour Flow development process.
There is precedent for athletes outside of running who are experiencing the uniqueness of Under Armour Flow technology. The Under Armour Flow midsole technology made its debut in the basketball category with the launch of Stephen Curry’s signature shoe, the Curry Flow 8, under his new namesake brand. Working with the basketball legend meant the performance team could leverage their learnings across categories, and design footwear solutions for athletes across different sport verticals.
It’s here! The third collab between atmos and Adidas Originals in the Shibuya Pack series is coming in the form of an homage to Japan’s most-loved dog and icon of Shibuya, Hachiko.
In case you don’t know the story: Hachiko was an Akita dog in the 1920’s, who became famous for his loyalty to his owner Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor at Tokyo University. He would walk his master to Shibuya Station, then wait for him to return. Sadly, the professor passed away from a cerebral haemorrhage at work one day, but Hachiko continued to faithfully wait at the station gates. He waited every day for nine years until he too finally passed. The story became the basis of several novels and movies, and he became the definition of ‘loyalty.’ A monument of him reunited with his master is in Tokyo University. Another monument is outside Shibuya Station, which even named an exit after him. You may know this bittersweet, true story of Hachiko from the 2009 Hollywood remake Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, starring Richard Gere.
This collab uses the Superstar silhouette, a timeless masterpiece of Adidas Originals. To give it the unique appearance of Hachiko, Adidas has used Harako, a very soft calf leather with fur. The colour is a soft sandy hue to resemble the fur of the beloved loyal pup. The tongue features a silver plate with an engraved trefoil logo – not unlike a decorative dog tag.
The lateral side of the midsole also acknowledges Hachiko with the printed address of his iconic statue outside Shibuya Station. In addition, you’ll find a stylised image of Hachiko on the insole.
You’ll also find a logo with the words “You Make Shibuya” printed on the insoles. This logo is for official goods affiliated with the “Shibuya Ward Official Souvenir Project.” This project ensures that part of the profits will be donated to Shibuya to help uplift the community.
This furry rendition of the sneakers, aptly nicknamed ‘Superstar Dog’ is really an essential part of the Shibuya Pack series. Because in my opinion, without Hachiko, Shibuya is not quite Shibuya.
To see the first drop in the Shibuya Pack series ‘Yoyogi Park’, click here. Check out the second drop ‘Denim Pack’ here. For all atmos articles click here. Previous Adidas features can be found here.
Get ready all you Animal Crossing fans out there. It’s time to go on an island getaway with this latest collaboration between PUMA and Animal Crossing™: New Horizons. Tom Nook and your other favourite characters from the popular Nintendo franchise are featured in a variety of styles, including apparel and footwear for adults and kids.
The PUMA x Animal Crossing™: New Horizons crossover takes cues from the beloved game; the collection’s streetwear silhouettes are reimagined with natural colours and authentic graphics from the fun franchise. The resulting collaboration is ready for anything, with styles for both adults and kids, including some of PUMA’s most distinctive shoe silhouettes Wild Rider, and Future Rider.
PUMA’s Wild Rider silhouette is inspired by the movement and motion of city life. The collab version has a beige nylon upper adorned with an Animal Crossing resident print with green, blue, and sand suede overlays, a translucent formstrip on the side, an embroidered leaf on the heel and a debossed lace tag with PUMA’s logo.
The pack is not complete without the Future Rider. Constructed with nylon, canvas and suede overlays, this silhouette features a debossed leaf graphic on the heel, taken directly from the iconic Animal Crossing logo. The side TPU piece includes a graphic which alludes to the game’s design elements, as well as the canvas lace bag with additional laces to customize your look.
Your island escape wouldn’t be complete without some sharp adventure-ready outfits; short and long sleeve tees, hoodies, shorts, and sweatpants all in the signature colour palette of the game, in addition to spotlighting some of its most well-known residents and elements. Just don’t forget your boarding pass.
Another year goes by, another iPhone range comes into the mix. Maybe i might be a bit biased towards Android these days as they seem to be leading the way, but Apple are definately keeping up with new developments year by year…but this year’s new Apple iPhone 13 range, just doesnt seem to have that edge it has in recent years.
While there are some upgrades compared to the current iPhone 12 range, it doesnt seem those upgrades are ground breaking compared to what Apple has done in the past. A smaller notch, brighter display, faster A15 bionic chip, better battery life are all well and good to keep up to date, but the one thing Apple has really stepped up overall is their camera game.
The iPhone 13 mini promises 1.5 hours of longer battery life, while the iPhone 13 promises 2.5 hours of extra endurance. The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max also promise 1.5 hours and 2.5 hours of extra juice, respectively.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 13 Pro delivers 120Hz ProMotion displays and an all-new camera system that includes a 6-element, ultra-wide lens and 3x optical zoom. You also get macro photography capabilities, larger batteries and a new sierra blue color.
Here are the top new features for the iPhone 13 Mini & iPhone 13:
iPhone 13 mini starts at $1199 and iPhone 13 at $1349 with 128GB of storage.
The new iPhone 13 features a smaller notch that’s 20% smaller than iPhone 12.
The design features a new diagonal camera layout, and the cameras capture 40% more light. The ultra-wide camera lets in more light, too.
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini will come in five new colors: pink, blue, midnight, starlight and Product Red
The displays on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro are 28% brighter, with 800 nits of brightness.
The iPhone 13 and offers cinematic video (portrait mode), which delivers movie-like video recording that changes the focus on the fly to various subjects.
5G connectivity should get better with support for more bands.
The iPhone 13 mini promises 1.5 hours of more battery life, and that goes up to 2.5 hours for the iPhone 13.
Here are the top new features for the iPhone 13 Pro & iPhone 13 Pro Max:
The iPhone 13 Pro starts at $1699, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max at $1849. Plus, there’s a new 1TB storage option.
There’s a new ProMotion display on the iPhone 13 Pro series that scales from 10Hz to 120Hz, and it’s designed to respond dynamically.
There’s a new telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, a new 6-element ultra-wide lens that lets in more light, and a wide camera with a 2.2x improvement in low light.
The iPhone 13 Pro is capable of macro photography with extreme close-ups, and all of the cameras now support Night mode.
A new TrueDepth camera system is 20 percent smaller for a shrunken notch, and there’s a textured matte glass on the back.
The iPhone 13 Pro comes with a bigger battery so you should expect longer endurance. The Pro is rated for 1.5 hours longer and the Pro Max 2.5 hours longer.
A15 Bionic chip promises the most powerful graphics ever with 50% better performance than competing phones (rated).
A new Super Retina XDR display supports up to 1,000 nits for better outdoor brightness.
The iPhone 13 Pro comes in graphite, gold, silver and new sierra blue.
Overall, it seems like Apple is keeping pace with the likes of Samsung, but still lacking in some areas. If you have the current iPhone 12 range, i would wait till the next generation next year before upgrading, but anything prior to that, this would be a good upgrade.
The iPhone 13 release date is September 24 for all four models. The iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max will be available to pre-order on Friday, September 17.
Time to get excited again Marvel fans. Wasnt that long ago, back at the end of July, we had a first look at the upcoming Hawkeye series with some photos. Now, we finally have a first look at Hawkeye in depth with the first official trailer. While we are deep into the What If…? series on Disney+, Marvel Studio is already starting the marketing for the next round of TV.
The series sees Jeremy Renner reprise his role as Clint Barton (Hawkeye) in the post “blip” world who ends up teaming up with young archer Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfield) who wants to be a superhero like Barton. Set around Christmas time, Clint is getting back to the family life for the holidays when a presence from Barton’s past (the time spent between the events of Infinity War & Endgame in the “blip”) threatens to derail more then the festive spirt.
While the trailer doesnt give away too much in terms of who the bad guys are, who’s after Clint? etc we know from what we saw, this is going to be action packed and thrilling. We do know, that at the end of Black Widow in the post credit scene, it was setting up something to unfold in Hawkeye which might lead to who’s really behind whats going on? Is Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) behind this with the help of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (aka Madam Hydra from the comics played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) after the death of her sister Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson)
Either way, this looks good and will keep Marvel fans hanging for more as Disney+ keep ramping up the Marvel Phase 4 calendar leading into 2022 with many more TV shows in the pipeline
Hawkeye will hit Disney+ on November 24th 2021.
Let us know what you think fans, are you excited for this one?
The PlayStation Showcase 2021 takes a quick look into the future of PS5. The PlayStation Showcase 2021 event went for approximately 40 minutes and included updates from PlayStation Studios and some of the industry’s most imaginative developers, for games releasing this holiday and beyond.
God of War – Ragnarok
The PlayStation Showcase did not disappoint. Offering up an insight into the premiere of God of War – Ragnarok.
The trailer was filled to the brim with familiar faces like Atreus. New ones as well, and of course Kratos brutally taking down his enemies. Blood? I’m pretty sure you asked for more to make this an instant classic.
The God of War – Ragnarok trailer also provided some insight into the story to come. Being able to see Father and Son team back at it again through a rigorous quests and enemies. The deep story which can only result in joy by conquering in flames for what may be the end of the Nine Realms.
How this all turns out is our guess but definitely an anticipated title for PlayStation.
Spider-Man 2
Sony has revealed Insomniac Games is working on Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. The trailer for most leaving us in “Awe.”
Spider-Man 2 features two major Spider-Man villains making their debuts in Insomniac’s Marvel universe, and that’s just not all.
Playing Spider-Man on PS4 loving every minute of it. Making a sequel was not going to be an easy task to take on. What we can expect from Peter Parker and Miles Morales’ latest team-up? Team up battle system?
So many questions that need answering is VENOM friend or foe? We will keep you posted stay close to this story.
Star Wars – Knights of the Old Republic
If you don’t know this is one of the most phenomenal Star Wars games to grace a platform. A long awaited remake release for many fans to be able to play again from its humble beginnings.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is set 4,000 years before the events of the original trilogy. Introducing a new story of new heroes and villains in an epic struggle for the fate of the galaxy.
And it’s a console exclusive on PlayStation 5 at launch.
Grand Theft Auto V
You know the game you know the story, If you haven’t met my mates Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Bringing us back to Los Santos paving its way by looking better then ever.
Unfortunately being delayed until March 2022 with no definite release announced. This will mark the 3rd console it will be released on spanning almost a decade.
Wolverine
Our first teaser from Insomniac Games and while they capitalize on the success of Spider-Man 2. It gives us a great insight into what we could expect and how game-play could look like.
Unfortunately there wasn’t any in-game game-play for us to dissect over. But does certainly have the right Hero of sorts out of Marvel’s mutants i believe.
And because there was no release date and still in early development expect this title later in the year maybe to grace us before Christmas?
Keep you posted and watch this space.
Giving us a glimpse to see what titles to expect over the year and heading into the Christmas period.
Plenty to look forward to and to stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For previous PlayStation articles, click here and for other Pop-Culture features, click here.
The LEGO Group has announced the LEGO® Super Mario 64? Block, a new set packed with nostalgia from the Nintendo® video game that takes Super Mario and LEGO fans on a trip down memory lane. Arriving twenty-five years on from the initial launch of the iconic Super Mario 64 video game, the ? Block set features a large brick-built ? Block that opens to reveal four different, but instantly recognisable levels from the game: Peach’s Castle, Bob-omb Battlefield, Cool, Cool Mountain and Lethal Lava Land.
With its unique combination of nostalgic game moments, creative possibilities and surprising functions, the ? Block set is a unique way for fans to rediscover the magic of Super Mario 64.
The introduction of the ? Block is the latest build on the unique partnership between the LEGO Group and Nintendo®, which has introduced an entirely new way to play with LEGO bricks through the popular LEGO® Super Mario™ product line. The LEGO Super Mario universe launched last year with a Starter Course featuring an interactive LEGO® Mario™ figure, which players can use to collect digital coins and enjoy instant responses via LED screens and a speaker. Earlier this year, the LEGO Group launched the LEGO® Adventures with Luigi Starter Course to encourage social play as the two characters can now interact with one another and jointly collect even more coins. The LEGO Super Mario universe also includes a series of Expansion Sets and Power-Up Packs, allowing builders to expand, rebuild and create unique levels in new interactive ways for endless fun.
As well as including levels from the Super Mario 64 game, the ? Block set includes several micro-figures of iconic characters that can be placed in the detailed scenes, such as fan-favorites Mario and Princess Peach. For interactive play, fans can also add their LEGO Mario or LEGO® Luigi™ figures for unique music and sounds from the video game, plus seek out the hidden Power Stars that reveal secret reactions from the figures. Hints for how to find the Power Stars can be found in the Building Instructions.
The full list of items included in the LEGO® Super Mario 64? Block set announced today are: ● Brick-built ? Block with 2,064-pieces. ● Several LEGO® Super Mario™ micro-figures including: Mario, Princess Peach, and King Bob-omb, as well as a Chain Chomp, Big Bully, Mr. I, Lakitu, Mother Penguin, Li’l Penguin and more. ● Four detailed, buildable versions of Super Mario 64 levels: Peach’s Castle, Bob-omb Battlefield, Cool, Cool Mountain and Lethal Lava Land.
LEGO fans will be able to get their hands on the LEGO Super Mario 64? Block set exclusively from LEGO Retail Stores and LEGO.com.au from the 1st of October. From 2022 it will become available at other leading retailers around the world. The recommended retail price for the LEGO® Super Mario 64? Block set is $289.99 AUD.
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Keanu Reeves returns to the Matrix franchise as its hero, Neo, reprising his role from the first three films. Carrie Anne Moss also returns for the fourth installment to reprise her role as Trinity. The all-star cast also includes Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Neil Patrick Harris, Jonathan Groff, Jessica Henwick, Christina Ricci, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ellen Hollman, Lambert Wilson, and Jada Pinkett Smith. Lana Wachowski returns to direct Resurrections, from a script she co-wrote with David Mitchell and Aleksander Hemon.
The trailer doesnt give too much away about the storyline. It starts with Thomas Anderson aka Neo sitting with a psychiatrist (played by Neil Patrick Harris) discussing dreams which arent dreams. A reuniting with Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) is also shown however they dont actually know each other in this life. Warners Bros did share this however giving some insight for fans:
“The Matrix Resurrections” is a continuation of the story established in the first MATRIX film. It reunites Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss as cinematic icons Neo & Trinity in an expansion of their story that ventures back into the Matrix and even deeper down the rabbit hole. A mind-bending new adventure with action and epic scale, it’s set in a familiar yet even more provocative world where reality is more subjective than ever and all that’s required to see the truth is to free your mind.
20 years after the first film, the franchise that helped define pop culture at the turn of the century is back for a continuation and extension of the original movie. The Matrix remains in the zeitgeist as a film that has changed the way we look at cinema and reality itself. With its game changing action and visual effects, The Matrix helped pave the way for films to follow.
Either way, this trailer looks epic. The special effects are once again on another level. This is going to be something special.
The Matrix Resurrections hits cinemas and HBO Max in the US on December 22nd 2021, while in Australia, we will have to wait till New Years Day (January 1st 2022) to see it.
