Is That Obama on a Building??
Is that President Barack Obama on the side of a building? Yes, yes, it is.
hawaii
No Go for These #RossFinds
Had to say no to both of these shoes found at Ross aka #rossfinds. While each had its merits, they didn’t win me over in the end.
LeBron 11 Low
I’ve been looking for shoes featuring the full length Air Max 360 for a long time. Finally, I came across these LeBron 11 Lows in the lava colorway in my size. While I could have definitely rocked the lava colors, King James and me don’t share the same foot shape. Even with the solid Air Max foundation underfoot, the arch support wasn’t enough. I could feel the inner, medial sides of the shoe flexing with the smallest of steps. I was targeting the 11 Lows as a lifestyle shoe, but if they can’t provide the support while walking around, what’s the point? Sadly, I put these and their paint-speckled Air Max bubble back on the shelf.
Jordan Flight Time 14.5
For the longest time, I never knew what these Jordan-branded kicks were. For the record, they are the Jordan Flight Time 14.5. I always thought the 14.5 looked distinctive for a Team Jordan shoe. Each colorway works, especially these Chicago Bulls-inspired red, black, and white version.
The look is clean. The padded collar is a nice touch, and the fit was great for my feet. Although narrow mid-foot, these provided better arch support than the LeBron 11 Low. There’s decent tech in the shoe and best of all, they’re only $40. But look at them. They’re made to see court action, and that’s no longer me. I held on to these for some time before also putting them back on the shelf.
Instead, I’m actually looking forward to the upcoming Adidas Crazylight Boost 2016. Even at full price, this shoe looks uniquely different from other shoes on the market and features full length Boost. But I won’t find these at Ross for some time if ever.
A Chaotic Feeling at the New Nordstrom
I can’t quite place my finger on it, but personally, I felt a sense of chaos while touring the new Nordstrom in the Ewa Wing of Ala Moana. It was just weird and different from the vibe of the original Nordstrom.
While the store is nice and new, the layout just felt chaotic for me. Like the recently-added Bloomingdale’s, distinguishing each department means decorating it differently. There are no walls or exceptionally tall partitions to separate floor space and departments. Multi-storied, the new location is essentially different floors of empty, flat space, not rooms or sections. I guess the original location was similary built, so maybe it’s the high ceilings with all that extra space that exacerbates that bad vibe.
Then I hit the men’s shoe department. Usually, I enjoy the great finds here, enjoying some unique kicks. But I could hardly make my way through this “department.” It just felt so confusing like I was going the wrong way, and it was like I couldn’t get a good look at the shoes. Do I walk clockwise, counterclockwise, straight through? Even with the variety of shoes there, I just couldn’t bring myself to enjoy or even look at them with the chaotic layout too distracting.
And you know what I think the cause is? Again, it’s weird, but I think it’s the right side of the all the pairs of shoes on display. Thinking about it, I think most stores display the left shoe. Why? I don’t know, but I’m sure there’s some reason. So browsing amongst all the right pairs was just so disconcerting. The shoes were pointing one way, but I felt like I had to walk against this natural direction. Or maybe it’s because I’m right handed and picking up the right shoe in the displayed orientation, I would see the inner, medial side of it. But really, the outer side of the shoe is where it’s at.
I have to go back one day and see if that sense of confusion is still with me, but man that new Nordstrom just feels too chaotic.
Sports Authority Ending
The end of Sports Authority is nearing as stores are clearing out their inventory. Even though the clearance has only recently begun, the stores are emptying out quickly. The Waikele location, the first on Oahu, makes no secret about the discounts.
Although I didn’t take pictures inside the store, it was very empty. Items are still available, but I’m guessing all the “good stuff” is gone. And the discounts aren’t that good yet. There were Air Max running shoes in various sizes but still at $140 (before the discount which in general is 10%).
Reviewed Timmy T’s and Japanese Restaurant Aki
Did my Yelp duty and reviewed Timmy T’s Gourmet Grinders and Japanese Restaurant Aki. Definitely liked the sub sandwiches at Timmy T’s over the Japanese dishes of Aki. Doubt I’ll go back to Aki but will give Timmy T’s One More Try.
Target Kailua Getting Self Serving
Now this is a very welcomed change to the Target location on the Windward side. Check this out.
Yes, that is a self checkout station. One of several in fact that’s being installed where the previous express registers were. If you’ve shopped at Target Kailua, you know of the line imbalance. There’s usually one or two open regular cashiers and one express cashier. But most of the buyers have a handful of items, so that express line is packed and not so express. The buyers with carts overwhelm the regular cashiers. Needless to say, buying stuff is a time consuming hassle.
These self check out stands have got to help. I’ll report back in a week or two…
Changes at Windward Mall
Could it be that I haven’t been to Windward Mall since the holiday shopping season of 2015? Wow, that’s a long time, and in that time, there have been several changes. Let’s take a look shall we?
While the food court has been blanketed in free WiFi for some time and Starbucks provides speedy Google WiFi service, now the entire mall is connected. I admit that I haven’t tried the mall’s WiFi since typically these are just oversaturated and bogged down.
I think this is a change, but the upstairs Aeropostle store is now a Factory Store, assumedly offering discounted, older lines.
Sadly the kids play area outside of Sports Authority (and the now closed Children’s Place) is rather sad.
Yes, it’s open, but without the islands to climb on, this open space isn’t so fun. But I do recall hearing that the play area is moving to another wing so maybe, this is just transitional during the relocation.
Jeans Warehouse is on the move.
Already moved are Journeys and Local Motion. Previously located on the ground floor near the mall’s center, these locations are now upstairs.
But then, if these two long-time tenants moved, what’s in their former locations? Take a look from upstairs.
Here’s a closer look.
Yup, the Secrets of Victoria will be gracing the Windward side residents in a sizable location starting the Spring of 2016.
Late with Kicks Analysis 2016
Yeah, I know Pulpconnection’s annual analysis of shoes worn by teams making the Big Dance is late. But this year with the University of Hawaii Warriors making the tournament, it’s been a fun ride to watch the madness.
As usual, Nike has the preponderance of teams in the tournament, but one of their representatives is no more. The Under Armour-clad Warriors beat the Jordan-ed Cal squad for Hawaii’s first win in the men’s tournament.
Quincy Smith led the way uncharacteristicly wearing the UA Curry 2 Suit & Tie instead of his usual Curry 1 Lows. Although as you know, the Suit & Tie has brought the team success, usually worn by Rod Bobbitt. Though in the 4 vs 13 matchup, Rod crashed in wearing the brand new Curry 2 colorway, the Surprise Party. Both he and Mike Thomas battled in the birthday cake colored shoes commemorating Steph Curry’s birthday.
Next up Hawaii plays the 5th seeded Maryland, hopefully wearing the same UA kicks yielding another win.
Photo by Brandon Flores Photography.
Rod Bobbitt’s Shoe of Choice
When it comes down to the wire, Warrior guard Roderick Bobbitt’s game shoe of choice is the Under Armour Curry 2 “Suit & Tie.” Black and white with red highlights, this shoe has been on Bobbitt’s feet during crunch time.
Rod’s worn many Curry colorways this season and recently has gone from the low cut Curry 1 to the high cut Curry 2. Rod’s even changed shoes at halftime during a few games when he struggled on-court. In the Big West Conference tournament, Rod wore the new Curry 2 low cut but inevitably went back to the Suit & Tie with successful results.
Early in the season, #5 favored the Curry 1 low. Rod rocked a white, home colorway and black for the road unis.
UH defeats Cal Poly, 86-73, at the Stan Sheriff Center, Honolulu, HI on January 06 2016. Photo: Brandon Flores.
UH defeats Montana State, 87-76, in oepning round action of the Outrigger Resorts Raibow Classic, at the Stan Sheriff Center, Honolulu, HI on November 13 2015. Photo: Brandon Flores.
I thought he and then-Warrior Isaac Fleming had something with the South Beach-themed “Curry Camp” colorway. The bright teal and orange made for great contrast on court.
In the post season Big West Tournament against Santa Barbara, Rod changed it up showing off the Curry 2 Low.
But that was the first half in which Rod struggled. Guess what was on his feet in the second half? Yes, the Suit & Tie for a 88-75 win.
Long Beach State for the Big West Finals. You think Rod’s wearing the Northern Lights? Nope. Suit & Tie all the way to a nail biting, net cutting victory.
As the Warriors face Cal on Friday, I’m hoping to see Rod bust out something new like the Curry Two Surprise Party or the Combat Green Curry 2 Low.
But… I’d be perfectly okay with the Suit & Tie and a victory.
Awesome photos of the UH men’s basketball season courtesy of Brandon Flores Photography.
Filipovich Highlights
Gotta hand it to UH reserve guard Niko Filipovich in the Warrior win over Long Beach. Yeah, he missed both this long distance bombs, but he took the shots without hesitation. The close misses kept the Beach defenders honest and couldn’t slack off on defense.
But of course, #2’s highlight was his closing seconds drive to finish the first half. In 7 seconds and three dribbles, Niko drove past all Long Beach defenders for a layup that ignited the players and fans.
Pictures from Brandon Flores.
Honolulu Rail: Ads or Graffiti?
It’s only a matter of time before these clean canvases presented by the massive pillars of the Honolulu Rail Transit system become targets for graffiti or advertisements.
I’m hoping not but just too tempting being so big and so clean. Wonder what the ideas are to prevent defacement? Something better than the long gone decorative fence liners of Kamehameha Highway.
