Altra Intuition 3 Thumbnails

Thanks for your time Diane.  I will provide more literature and close-up shots later.

To Angela, the Ladysmith Thrift Shopper

I ran into you at the Bowen Road Salvation Thrift Store today.  Your actions did not sit well with me.  I haven't approached you in quite some time for shoe pics.  I approached you twice since then about your sudden change in attitude towards me.  Both times you told me:  "Oh no.  I just do my own thing."  Yet your body language suggested otherwise.

Listen!  My hobby requires a really keen sense on reading people.  Combine that with the fact you're not very good at hiding your true feelings towards me makes it very difficult for me to just take your word for it.  I know someone or some people have influenced on your thoughts about me but I think you should be smart enough to not be so easily succumbed by people's ulterior motives to slander me.

Just to let you know, I heard you saying some negative stuff about me to your husband.  I told you last week that I wouldn't be approaching you anymore and you still continue to slander me.  I would like to know what C.K. of Frontrunners has been saying about me to you or any other people she has negatively influenced about their thoughts of me.

The bottom line is, they are just pictures of shoes and based on the number of views, people support what I do.  If you can make unsubstatiated claims about me, someone can do the same to you.  If it makes you feel better, I have no attraction to you whatsoever and your shoe poses you gave me (a couple of years ago) aren't appealing enough for me to post anyway.  With the exception that you didn't get me kicked out of the gym and suspended from work using death threats, you are just as bad as C.K. of Frontrunners.

The Nanaimo Athletic Club & Frontrunners caused me more pain than joy.  I deeply regret supporting C.K.'s spin classes and giving my patronage to her Frontrunners.

North Face

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On Feb. 25th, I was in a hurry to work and was standing in a short line for coffee.  I wasn't sure if I was going to ask the lady ahead of me for shoe pics but I figured - what the heck.  I didn't have time for multiple angles but the one pic I did get was satisfactory.  She had good form and posture and the sunlight shining through made the pic all the more interesting.

I have been busy and exhausted for the past week and I'm running tight for time as I speak but I will be posting a lot of shoe pics in the next few days so stay tuned!!

G+1

Just a small favour to ask of you readers out there.  There should be 3 places where you can see the G+1 icon.  The one at the very top of the blog page and/or the one on the left panel is for the liking of the blog itself.  The G+1 icon you find at the bottom of each post allows you to acknowlege the corresponding post.  If written feedback is a challenge, clicking on the G+1 icons will confirm your support for my blog and will help soften the emotional trauma I have been dealt.

Thanks everyone!!

More of My Take on C.K.'s Frontrunners Store

Recap in a nutshell:

...continued from this post.


There's something else I forgot to mention about my experience at Frontrunners.  During my first visit to that shoe store, the first clerk I dealt with was indeed, C.K..  I was "lucky enough" to have my name drawn to win a FR water bottle and a store voucher after a running event on Grabriola Island.  Otherwise I would've known nothing about that store.

So I was in there deciding what I was going to apply my voucher to.  I did end up buying something but it wasn't shoes.  I was humming & hawing about how much more expensive the shoes were compared to other shoe stores around.  In a boastful kind of a tone she responded by saying her store provides better service and that this store is locally owned.

At the time I had already felt her ego but I was too naive at the time to even think it was a precursor of a much bigger headache that I have already mentioned.  That headache involved C.K. getting me kicked out of the gym that I've been a member of for 19 years and using a death threat to get me suspended from work.  See this posting to recollect the details.

"I'd rather support a foreign company that gives me more bang for my dollar and save myself the unnecessary emotional ordeal that I am still dealing with 15 months later and counting!!"

The main point:

If C.K. says her store provides "better" service she'd better define what that means.  I would have to say she's better at being a trouble maker than anyone else.  I'm supposed to feel happy getting what I want for my hard-earned money.  Instead, I felt racially insulted (called me a "short little Asian guy") and very insecure about myself after leaving her store.

Also, if she relies on the locals to keep her job afloat, she definitely has her priorities messed up.  She would rather feed her ego at my expense because now that I've discovered the truth, I'm definitely NOT referring anyone to her store.  Frontrunners doesn't make me want to justisfy spending a lot more on the same stuff I can get at their competitors.  Pff...better service and locally owned.  Who cares?  I'd rather support a foreign company that gives me more bang for my dollar and save myself the unnecessary emotional ordeal that I am still dealing with 15 months later and counting!!  Also, a locally owned company should cater to the locals in a way that enhances the local community's experience and NOT to pick on certain individuals by traumatizing their lives!!

"...a locally owned company should cater to the locals in a way that enhances the local community's experience and NOT to pick on certain individuals by traumatizing their lives!!"

Why I'm Getting More Attention than C.K.

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To draw attention to yourself, you can't be forcing it upon yourself.  You have to bring something unique to the table - something that is out of the norm but interesting.

In high school a couple of boys didn't like the fact I was getting more attention than they were because they were insecure about themselves.  They needed that popularity to feel strong within them.

I've always been the type to go against the grain.  Even though C.K. has gotten into my head, she hasn't gotten into my heart.  I know this is what I was meant to do.  If I did what everyone else did, there'd be no reason to put together this blog.  If I could achieve what I could achieve without bothering people I would but it wouldn't be nearly as unique and interesting.

Being different, going out of my comfort zone, and having a big imagination is what garnishes me the attention, whether I like it or not.  I don't gain notoriety by being selfish at other people's expense.  That would called:  "infamous publicity".  I'm not saying that I'm smarter than C.K. but she certainly does do dumber things than I do.  You're so foolish and immature, C.K..

Related:  "Protecting Myself from Future Death Threats"

Possible Recipient of C.K.'s Slander

Earlier today I went to the same thrift store that one of my former supporters of my hobby shops at.  She goes there all the time.  She used to be one of the most open-minded people about my hobby.  Ever since C.K. of Frontrunners Nanaimo got me suspended, she got really nervous when she is within my vicinity.

She would be really quiet when we crossed paths to not entice me to talk to her.  She would fidget with the things she would buy at the paying counter or she would walk away from me really fast if I happened to be going out the store behind her.  I was driving towards the store one day and she happened to leaving the store, walking towards me.  Just before I passed her by, she rolled her eyeballs towards me with her lips uptightedly opened, with her teeth almost touching each other.  There's no way someone who's so open-mind at one point can be so scared all of a sudden.

She told me she sometimes shops at Frontrunners and since C.K. had already demonstrated her strong intent on interfereing with my business, I have no doubt she said some bad stuff about me to her.

I happened to catch this fellow customer by surprise.  I didn't know she was coming my way and she didn't know I was coming her way.  She said hi to me very apprehensively.  I told her that she misunderstood me and someone from the Nanaimo shoe store had been slandering me and that I was working on fixing up that mess.  Both times she said:  "No no.  I just do my own thing."  I responded by saying:  "I'll leave you alone." and we walked off in separate directions.

By the higher-pitched tone of her voice and the speed of her speech really made me skeptical that my suspicions were bang on.  She is a very talkative and friendly lady so of course she doesn't want to admit that she has negative feelings towards anyone.  The look on her face when she denied what I was picking up on her was not her natural, relaxed, engaging face.  Put all that together and I think she knows I "busted" her.

If C.K. can get me kicked out of the gym and suspended from work and if she has that much power to manipulate people like that, who knows how many more people she has negatively influenced?  My hobby helped reveal how bad of an egg this woman is.  

I just want to say:  "C.K..  You can make me look as bad all you want.  You may contain me but you can't control me.  It only drives me more to pursue my hobby and you'd continue to further tarnish your image as a person more by being such a troublemaker.  If you want the attention that badly go do something positive for the community and not gain it by ruining other people's lives."

Asics GEL-Kayano 20 - Thumbnails

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I normally don't post an entire photo set right away because of the time it takes to upload, download, and to watermark the pics.  However, I think I've found a quicker way to get these photos up but it will have to be in a thumbnail format.  

There's not much time left in the day so I will postpone posting close-up pics of these shoes for another day and perhaps, talk about the interaction I've experienced during this photo shoot.

I've made you a promise to post these right away, Sam & Brittany, as my way of saying thanks for interrupting your rare get together with each other.  I hope you like my camera work.

This Place Sells Wide Shoes

I stumbled upon this site:  Big n Wide Shoes but they only ship within the states, which doesn't even include Alaska & Hawaii.

More often than not, I've had troubles finding a pair of shoes that fit just right.  If the length was right, the shoe is too tight.  If the shoe was wide enough, it'd be too long and my feet would slide back and forth.  Sometimes even if I buy longer shoes, it doesn't mean that the shoe is ever going to be wide enough.  I'm sure those of you with wider feet can relate.

I have these shoes that I'm trying to sell.  It's a sz 10 men's but I think it's more of a women's 10.5ish because of it's narrower width.  I wanted to use them for basketball in high school but they just weren't wide enough for me and they have been sitting in my closet ever since.  Currently, I'm asking C$60 for them.  If it's a pair of shoes you can benefit from, let me know.

If you are around the Nanaimo area, we can get together so you can try them on.  If you are not within driving range, just treat these shoes like a women's sz 10 and them for a gal. 

Starbury's

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In a Nutshell:

This line of shoes was founded by Stephon Marbury.  For those who don't know, he was a very potent scorer in the NBA for several season before moving his playing career oversees, China to be exact.  Because of his style of play, he is perhaps that country's most well-known basketball player.

Back to his line of shoes, he grew up being poor and really inspired him to come up with shoes that didn't cost $200.  Right now he is working shoes that possesses the quality of top-branded shoes for as low as $15.  With the labour market in China being so low in cost, it was not impossible to achieve.

There are some who doubt that he'd be able to survive because of the high operating and marketing cost that comes with selling shoes.  His claim is that top-branded shoes are so expensive because they charge for the consumer brand loyalty.  Customers will pay for the branding.  Marbury's focus is on a different market sector, obviously.  He's targeting those who can't afford or can't justify paying top dollar for shoes that serve the same purpose for a fraction of the price.

Read this article for more details.


What I Saw:

Coming across an actual pair of Starbury's in a thrift store the other day inspired me to make this posting.  I didn't think these shoes would make it to Nanaimo so soon, let alone Canada.  For people following my blog, this will certainly help educate them on how these shoes came about.

I want to talk a little bit about the logo.  His last name is Marbury, nicknamed "Starbury", and wears #3.  The 3 is easy to see right off the bat.  If you turn the 3 sideways it becomes an "M".  Look even closer at the logo and you'll see a star formation within.  I want to critique the logo for a sec.  Look at the logo on each shoe.  I think the triangle should be left hollow like that.  It's awkward to see one corner of the star filled in and not the rest.  Luckily, the paint has worn off on the logo for me to better convey my thoughts.

If I were to have my say in the logo, I'd leave both the triangle and the M hollow.  If it's important maintain the weight of the logo by leaving the M filled in, I'd leave the triangle hollow, take away the middle line of the triangle and draw lines from both sides of the open triangle to the outer tips of the "M".  That would unify the logo, while maintaining the three things he's trying to symbolize, and it doesn't leave us wondering what that triangular piece represents.

This Blog Needs More Exposure

For those of you who want me to work on this blog full time, my time needs to be justified.  In order for me to be able to commit to this blog full time, I need ALL of you to help me get the word out there.  I'm looking for 1000's of viewers.  If I know I can get that, I wouldn't be able to sleep if I didn't update my blog regularly.  Please take this as a serious consideration.  Thanks for your interest and support.

Mizuno Musha 4

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I did this photo shoot in the Victoria area.  These are her shoes she wears to work everytime.  It's amazing how clean she has kept them.  Also, I love the Mizuno design so I wasn't going pass up on the chance to photo shoot these.  There is a photo set of these shoes but I'm focused on gettting as many people's shoes out as I can before posting the full photo set of each pair.

If you recognize your shoe, e-mail me and I will post the entire photo set sooner rather than later.

Not quite the font I had in mind but it'll do.

If running shoes were to be worn to the Oscars awards event, these definitely fit the theme.  Gotta love the gold lusture.

Some People Giving Up on Me

For those of you unfollowing me on Twitter, my tweets are a little bit different.  It takes time to put together a post and I don't always have "that time".  The ones who tweet multiple times a day can tweet on the fly about their life events as they unfold.  I don't use Twitter like that.  

Therefore, if you feel that you are following "too many" people on Twitter to have someone like me not tweeting everyday then don't follow me that way.  Subscribe to my blog through feedburner instead.  That way you don't have to wait for me or get frustrated when you visit my page when there's nothing new.

Green Brooks

This might sound mean but I'm thinking:  "The heck with the pup.  I'm drawn to the shoes!!"  Well, this is a shoe blog after all and not a dog blog.

"Everything I've learned about running is from my dog. Run. Be happy. Drink. Eat. Rest." https://t.co/DGvasljcRe pic.twitter.com/RuDQt7M5iC

— Brooks Running (@brooksrunning) January 21, 2016

 I have lots of shoes in my collection but NOT a green one like that.

Seahawks Brooks Shoes

Remember my "Women are Peacocks" post?  Well here's a pair of shoes that actually look like something a peacock would wear.  Damn!!  I wish that Shoe Creator program in the NBA 2K game would let us design something like that.

Heels? I'd rather wear my running shoes! @brooksrunning #runhappy pic.twitter.com/YVLJ7QDAle

— Polina Carlson (@Polinaruns) January 28, 2016

Critiquing Wozniacki's New Shoe

For those of you who don't know, Caroline Wozniacki is one of the top female tennis players in the world...and regarded as one of the hottest looking amongst men too.  In the commercial, she showcases her multiple off-court talents but we know she's trying to promote her Facebook account and I'm trying to share with you viewers the shoe I've seen.  This IS a shoe blog after all.

I love the close up shot at the sand thinning out in mid air as it is being shaken out of her shoe.

Click photo to see her commercial.

You can buy these here.

Now for my opinion on the style.  I don't think the style is bad but it is pretty plain jane.  Sometimes simple is good if you don't want a lot of flare to draw attention to you.  However, pink, orange, and red don't go well with each other.  It creates too much of a colour-bleeding effect.  I think the shoe designer chose colours that weren't very feminine (blue, red, and white) and over-compensated by throwing on pink laces and an orange logo and sockliner.

What (s)he should've done is to just stay simple - white laces, logo, and sockliner.  That would still provide colour separation, contrast, and balance.  It would've looked like a lot of colours without adding any more colours.

The other option would be to put a purple tinge on the blue body.  Keep the pink laces and use that colour for the outsole.  Use a lighter shade of purple for the flaps, but not so bright where the colour of the laces will bleed into flaps.  Now you can make the logo and sockliner pink.

The third option would be the simplest.  Put a pink tinge on the outsole and flaps.  Add blue eyelets around the laces for colour separation.  Keep the midsole white if you want but I would add a light blue tinge to it to help marry the colours of the outsole and the blue body together.  Now make the logo and sockliner pink.

Still Struggling Emotionally

I've got lots of content left to post I promise.  Unfortunately, I still haven't gotten over what happened 15 months ago.  The main reason for my blog is to minimize future slandering from C.K. and her alliances so it's inevitible that I'm reminded of those occurences everytime I introduce my blog to a new viewer.  Up until I threatened to publicize her name, I haven't noticed any unsolicited camera pointing at me or any further attempts to frame me.  *UPDATE!*  I was wrong!  She didn't stop.

For those who thought I overreacted in my "Suspected 'Spy'" post, think again.  I can't remember if I mentioned via this blog or verbally but one day prior, I did say that ever since I've put together this blog, I haven't been noticing any funny activities from C.K..  Guess what?  The next day the lady brisk walks up to me with the LG G4 pinned to her chest, lined up with my face, asking me for cilantro.

50/50 chance she'll send someone in on my very next work day to agitate me.  If C.K. is smart, she will stop sending people to my workplace, regardless of whether I'm drawing attention away from her or not!!

Isn't that ridiculous?  Getting someone in trouble because they are jealous of me getting more attention than her?

Will Post More Soon...

Just want for those who are worried about my lack of posts, stay with me.  I've had other responsibilities to tend to.  No, I'm not dead and the person who made out death threats to me over a year ago hasn't killed me yet.  *sarcasm*

Btw...I think I'm starting to get an idea who uttered those death threats and the name of the girl who set me up.  Stay tuned!!

To Tara W.

In case you are going to view my blog before checking your e-mail, I'd suggest reading my e-mail to you first.  It will better help you understand what to look for in this blog and what I'm attempting to ask from you and how it will help my blog.  Thanks.

Nikes behind Ottawa Senators' Head Coach

I can't remember who the Senators were playing against but the game took place Jan. 22, 2016 and they lost..  I can't quite make out what the Nike shoe model name.  Can't tell if they are men's or women's or if they're cross-trainers or running shoes.  I think it can be unisex and they are running shoes.

Red isn't my colour but those do look pretty cool.  Lots of colour separation with just 3 colours.  In my opinion, black laces and black sockliners would make them look more masculine while white sockliners and laces would make them more feminine.

GEL-Venture 5 (Denied)

A couple of days ago (Feb. 3, 2016), I saw a lady wearing these:

 

I didn't feel the vibe that she would let me photo shoot her shoes so I really hesitated.  They're really fancy and I liked them so I'd regret it if I didn't at least ask.  She was also in pretty good shape so she would pose well in these.

When I approached her, she was a bit confused and apprehensive.  I calmed her down when I showed her my business card but she was still uncomfortable with the idea of me taking pictures of her shoes.  During our discussion, it was obvious she didn't buy these for the flare.  She described them as "just trail running shoes".

At the very least, she didn't feel uncomfortable when I re-approached her 20 minutes later to have her show me the model name of the shoe.  I was disappointed I wasn't able to get her to pose for me but at least she gave me the shoe model, which gave me something to post on this blog.  I got something else out of this interaction too.  I was able to confirm my gut feeling for people.  Next time I'll have an even better idea of who I should forego asking.

Nike Reax Run 8's

Here are a pair of Reax Run 8's from 2 different people.  I've decided to get creative by playing around with the colours a bit.  Remember, if you recognize your shoe, comment or e-mail me to have me post the entire photo set sooner rather than later.

Green heel:

I knew one of the clerks from shopping there over the years.  He helped me persuade this clerk into some photo shoots.  Luckily, she was already done her shift and was able to spend more time with me.  Trust me.  There is an entire set dedicated to these shoes.

Pink heel:

I was out having coffee with my dad.  While waiting to be served, I noticed one of the gals wearing these.  I managed to gain enough of her trust to let me do the photo shoot.  Initially, she was skeptical, wondering why a guy was approaching her (and her friend) that late in the evening (10:30 pm-ish).  However, once they saw my website, her skepticism turned into intrigue as did her friend.