Sunday, December 30, 2012

Supra Skytop 2 9/11 Commemorative Edition Shoe

Just came across this 911 tribute shoe from Supra.  Here is a video that gives a good overview of the shoe, which is a recent development (2012).  The striking thing about this shoe is that 11 years later, companies are still rolling out merchandise related (tribute, commemorating, influenced, etc) to September 11th.  I don't plan to add this example to my collection, but I'm documenting it here.  I think it bolsters a number of points I've made through my collection.  First, the influence of September 11th on material/consumer goods is clearly demonstrated, and even more importantly, 11 years after the event we are still seeing its impact.  Second, we see how mainstream the tie between consumerism and September 11th has become.  I don't pretend to know much about Supra, but these shoes are a skateboarding brand, and could be described as a trendy.  Furthermore, this example further bolsters my argument of using 9/11 as a marketing tool and even call to action for sales.  I couldn't find any info or reference about a donation from the sale of this shoe, but I would think this would be the case.  I don't think the connection to 9/11 here had much influence on this individual who purchased the shoe.  Overall, it is interesting to see the continued production of 9/11 influenced goods.  This the second recent example of a sneaker.  It is also worth noting the Nike tribute shoe example from my collection, which followed shortly after 9/11: http://www.collectingseptember11th.blogspot.com/search/label/shoes



Friday, December 21, 2012

Bin Laden vs USA Video Game


I had no idea anything like this existed.  The game is definitely unique (and does work).  Here are the comments from the sale listing:

One of the rarest handheld games ever made. Not many left in existence. In-fact I have never seen this model on ebay and it works.
One website lists this as the second version. But the model number shows otherwise.
There are two versions Model GM-0283A-3 & model this Model GM-026A-3 . I believe this to be the 1st version just by seeing the model number.
The game allows you to fight back against the attack and defend the Twin Towers against this terrible act.
I only purchased the game at yard sale in a box along with some other games. I am not very fond of the game but it did feel good to be able to fight back if only history could be changed.
My prayers go out to those who have lost their loved ones and those who survived. Along with a great appreciation to those who were there and are among the HERO'S who's efforts helped save many more lives. Personally I would never want to sell this game and would rather crush under a steam roller. But hard times have made me in need of funds to support my family. So I am offering this up for auction.
Made by Gao Ming Panyu Gaoming Electronics Co Ltd. Made in China, It takes 2 AA batteries although it has a spot for a third battery but no battery terminals are in there for that. The back says it 4.5V and 3AA. All the buttons work along with the sound. You can also see from the photo that all the lcds work as well. The case is in good condition as well.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Ball Found Ater 9/11




 This is an interesting item.  It is a baseball featuring the Twin Towers, Statue of Liberty, American flag with United We Stand, and I Heart (Love) NY.  The ball is in a presentation case and has a label that states:
Baseball found in the debris of the attach on the Twin Towers of 9-11-2001  Presented to Laurence LaFrate with gratitude from The American Folk Art Museum"

In looking for info on Laurence LaFrate, I found the following from June 29, 2008:
Laurence P. LaFrate, 60, of Baldwinsville, died Sunday at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse following a sudden illness. A native of Fulton, he had resided in Baldwinsville for 31 years. Larry was a 1969 graduate of S.U.N.Y. at New Paltz. He was an administrator at the Liverpool Central School District for 25 years. Larry owned and operated American Sampler Antiques and was known to thousands of people as “Echodale” on ebay where he has been a power seller. He was a consultant to the American Museum of Folk Art in New York City and was preparing to write a book about early American lighting.
Larry was predeceased by his father, Ray LaFrate and brother, Peter LaFrate. Surviving are his beloved companion, Irene Oman of Liverpool; his mother, Frances LaFrate of Fulton; son, Christian LaFrate of St. Petersburg, FL; daughter, Kathleen (John) Verdoliva of Oswego; brother, Greg (Christine) LaFrate of Fulton; three grandchildren, Meghan Foster, Sabrina and Kenneth Verdoliva; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at Foster Funeral Home, Fulton with burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fulton. Calling hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, 910 Fay Street, Fulton. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Laurence P. LaFrate Memorial Education Fund to be awarded to students each year who excel in academics and the arts, presented by his grandchildren, in “Papa Larry’s honor”, to recipients in the Fulton School District. Donations should be made payable to: Laurence P. LaFrate Memorial Fund, c/o Irene Oman, 8393-B Shallowcreek Road, Liverpool, New York, 13090.

I plan to contact the American Folk Art Museum at some point.
http://www.folkartmuseum.org/

 
 
 

"Remeberance Day Sept 11th 2001" Duck Decoy



 Here is a tribute duck decoy by Patty Martin (signature) from Stoney Point Decoys.  This decoy incorporates the American flag, and is red, white and blue.  Another great example illustrating the widespread impact of September 11th.  The impact and reflection of 9/11 through material goods is clearly significant.