Santa Monica in Europe?
Why oh why has Nike released the Roshe Run “Santa Monica” pack in Europe? These kicks scream of summertime fun. When is the summertime fun hitting the U.S.A.?
Changes to Starbucks at Ala Moana Macy’s
Thanks to @yoda808, we got word of the renovation and initial views of the Starbucks inside of Macy’s Ala Moana. I finally made my first visit to this remodeled location and noticed a few other changes.
The Doors Moved
When this location was carved out of Macy’s, the existing glass entries were retained for lots of foot traffic into Liberty House Macy’s. Unfortunately, the location for these entrances didn’t make sense for Starbucks. There were at least two sets of doors “in the middle” and walking through them put you right in the middle of the long queue to order or face to face with a display stand. On either side, you’d be squished by tables of patrons. Not a good placement. After the renovation, this is no longer the case with these doors removed. Now there’s the one set of doors near the Macy’s connection point and the original set leading to the outdoor seating area.
Clark Little Photography
Like the Waikiki Park Shore Hotel location, this Starbucks also features a mural from Clark Little Photography. Very nice but too bad it’s on a wall that’s hard to see.
A Ghetto Latte in Action
Over the weekend, I witnessed the mythical “ghetto latte” at the new Starbucks kiosk in Ala Moana. What’s a ghetto latte? That’s the unofficial nickname for a bare minimum espresso-based (or even coffee-based) drink. Pay for only two shots of espresso but ask for the drink in a large cup (grande or venti) then fill the rest of the cup with (free) milk from the bar. That’s ghetto as in poor or cheap.
I couldn’t hear the full order called out, but I did hear the part about a venti cup. Notice the empty space at the top that’s getting filled. Milk or creamer was already added when I took the pic and now a second carafe is about to be drained.
Nike’s Top Selling Shoe
Of all the shoes made by Nike, what sells the most? It’s these, the Monarch line, currently at the Monarch IV
Seriously. Yes, seriously. While I probably wouldn’t even pick up the shoe to examine it, there is one catchy color scheme of White/Cool Grey/Anthracite/White. As a NKE stockholder, I guess I shouldn’t complain. Sales are sales and if the Monarch IV sells the most, then so be it. Just don’t get me a pair. 😉
Well, not so fast… Complex gives you 10 reasons why you should get yourself a pair of Monarch IV.
Selena Gomez “Sunlina” Line
While I don’t follow the career of Selena Gomez, I do like the name of her line with Adidas. Her shoes are called the “Sunlina.” Catchy. Like her first name, Selena, but the shoes are designed for the summertime sun.
Make Your Adidas Yours
Oh my. Adidas has found a winner with its ZX Flux silhouette and is smartly pushing this line. Along with different materials and designer packs, Adidas will soon let you, the shoe wearer, print your own ZX Flux pattern. From the Instagram video, it seems you’ll use a forthcoming app to snap pictures of whatever and your graphics will be printed on freshly custom kicks. Smart, Adidas, very smart – just don’t screw up the execution and quality of the shoe.
Socks from Paradise Soccer Club
I saw the letters “PSC” on a retail storefront in Kailua and wondered what that store is. PSC stands for Paradise Soccer Club, and if you’re a soccer fiend, this place is for you. PSC just doesn’t feature soccer gear and equipment but promotes a lifestyle influenced by soccer with a modern trend. It’s a cool spot.
I know kicks but not soccer kicks, and these Nike Mercurials look serious.
The Mercurials not your thing? I’m sure you can find something from their wall of shoes (custom made display too).
Need a break to think about your PSC purchase? Play some foosball or check out their soccer-themed LEGO sets behind the counter.
If nothing else, pickup a pair of quality Stance socks, especially the Aloha Hawaii line. Where else are you going to find a camo pattern comprised of shakas?
Kailua Safeway Progress
One scant week ago, I noticed the main Safeway in Kailua was getting remodeled. A few days later, there’s been some progress but more prep work done. Older shelving is being cleared for removal and some newer shelving are starting to show up.
More of the new flooring is installed.
There are more temporary, popup displays.
There’s odd placement of stuff like the poke bar and greeting cards.
Greeting cards, cheese puffs, and the bakery goods.
And candy themed after The Hunger Games: Catching Fire?!?
Better than Sex Cake
Not just that but this is the second version of the recipe.
Yes, it was good. Not sure if it lived up to its namesake but still good.
Update 5/14/14: How selfish of me! I forgot to share the link for the Better than Sex Cake. Find it on allrecipes.com. Have you experienced this dessert delight? Was it good for you?
Apple Going After Black America?
Here’s an interesting angle of why Apple is interested in Dr. Dre’s Beats line. Apple wants an “in” with Black America. Seemingly over two thirds of African Americans own Android smartphones rather than iPhones, but Beats doesn’t follow this ratio.
You remember the outspoken Richard Sherman Beats commercial during this past SuperBowl? Or how about Vernon Davis rocking his custom 49er Beats during last year’s SuperBowl. The heavy influence may spill over to Apple sales.
Who knows? If this doesn’t work, there’s always Justin Bieber.
Charles Barkley Wolfing Down Churros
I’ve always been a fan of The Chuckster, and he’s in fine form commenting about the size of San Antonio women. After some backpedaling about his initial comments, Barkley gives in and goes on a roll, much to the entertainment of The Big Aristotle Shaq.
“Victoria’s a secret down there,”
– Charles Barkley.
ASICS Gel Cumulus 15 Running Shoes on Sale
Right now, you can find the ASICS Gel Cumulus 15 running shoes at Sports Authority at 30% off. Normally, these cost $115 but are available at $80. Even better, you can find a 15% off coupon online and apply that for extra savings. Although the Cumulus 16 is now available, the Cumulus 15 was named Runner’s World Editor’s Choice in June 2013. Here’s their review.
Only colors available are white/blue and green/white in normal or wide sizes.