Andy Laub

Andy Laub is a designer & developer in the Twin Cities.

Published Aug 05

Snout »

We stopped at the local Sube dealership on our way home from Target only to find the newly-refreshed WRX STi sitting there more gorgeous than ever.

At least, that’s my opinion. I think this overhauled nose really adds some nice strong lines that the old WRX’s kind of lacked with their blobesque headlights. The enthusiast population seems split on this new look, some really despising the narrow airplane-inspired nose and others loving it. In any case it’s easy to make the argument that it’s better-looking than the Tribeca, and they’re certainly getting the kinks of their new design elements worked out.

Comeback »

The modern comeback is an inevitable and infinitely useful in the skill of conversation and arguments. Need some help on yours? Try these, no charge:

That’s what she said.
A classic. Works for pretty much everything, and is even funnier if backed up by a recent viewing of the America’s Next Top Model skit on SNL. Probably the best one if your goal is to irritate the hell out of the person you’re interacting with.

Did your mom tell you to say that?
Probably also a classic – perfect for that personal touch; intersperse with with the aforementioned “That’s what she said” and you’ll be winning the argument in no time.

You don’t know (said in an accusatory tone).
For a new-wave twist, try this one, developed and tested right here in Wausau. You’ll be surprised how well it works.

Any other suggestions? Speak up.

Freedom »

For the second time yesterday I had the opportunity to play some tennis in the Nike Free (5.0) and they’re some damn fine footwear. I really like the lightness and the feeling that I’m more in contact with the ground.

The only problem is that they’re still not what I expected. Every time some revolutionary new shoe technology comes out I get this expectation of what it will be like and I’m consistently let down. It’s not that the shoe itself is bad, but the buildup just leads to disappointment.

Nike wants to me to think that the FREE will simulate running barefoot, which makes me believe it will feel like being barefoot. As someone who’s used to wandering around in worn to the ground sandals it’s not surprising then that to me the FREE feels like any other shoe. A great shoe, but a shoe all the same.

If I had to suggest one improvement, it’d be a reworking of the upper material. I wouldn’t mind something more meshy and ventilated. Other than that, though, I think they’ve taken a really unique idea and executed it almost perfectly.