15 Sneaker Twitter Accounts You're Not Following But Should Be

Earlier this week @complexsneakers dropped their top 15 sneaker twitter accounts list.  As expected, sneaker twitter did not appreciate the listing.  Most of the accounts lack personality and do not interact with their followers.  Complex did not distinguish "must follow" accounts from "should follow" accounts. They might as well have added @nike to the list.  Sneaker twitter does not follow corporate accounts because we want to, but because we have to.  @Shop_Swoosh created a list that we all can relate to. 


Looking at all the lists that get created multiple times a year, I realized that there are people that share the culture with us that don't get the recognition because they are overshadowed by the larger accounts.  Most of the links that you see from @j23app and @solelinks come from their followers, either tipping them off or tweeting them out for all to use. 


These accounts, while they don't have a large following, are great people for the culture.  I won't tell you why you should follow them, their tweets speak for themselves.  I will say that these people aren't corporate accounts and they don't tweet to make affiliate money.  These people do it strictly for the love of the game.  These accounts have been very helpful to their followers providing info, oops, history and knowledge.  These are real people, that you probably aren't following, but should be; especially if you are on sneaker twitter. 


Give them a follow and see why these people are more vital to sneaker twitter than a lot of other accounts that get all the recognition.

@davidkats4

@therealkasu

@stefan3584

@mrtycoon916

@dreday281

@abond23_bond

@jasonjigs

@thereal_jdavis

@superofficial

@just4kicks212

@simplyforkicks

@thefootprince

@soorastaa

@chicago242

@ant_nyc1

@westcoastsoles

Holiday Season...Beware

The Issue


During the holiday season delivery of packages during the period of Black Friday through New Year's Day spikes between 12-15% annually.  During this period, the reported rate of theft is about 3%.  UPS alone expects to deliver over 630 million packages to residential areas during this period.  If these figures hold true as expected, that means over 18 million packages will be stolen during this holiday season.


During this time of year, online scams and fraud also receive a huge spike.  People are normally more susceptible to fraud and scams during this time of year because they are looking to maximize the funds they have.  If a deal seems to good to be true, it normally is.  Protect your self at all times.


Take Precautions


Each shipping country offers insurance for your packages, as well as signature confirmation, or the option to pick up your package from a local hub.  For the purposes of this article, I will use USPS as my example.  USPS offers signature confirmation on any package for $2.35.  Each package is automatically insured for up to $50, $50.01 to $100 is $2.05. $100.01 to $200 is $2.45. $200.01 to $300 is $4.60. The price per additional $100 of insurance, valued over $300 up to $5,000, is $4.60 plus $0.90 per each $100 or fraction thereof.  Any package insured for $250 will require a signature, so you will not have to add signature confirmation as well.


USPS also offers the option to have the package held for pickup.  This is a very safe option.  It guarantees that the package will not leave the post office, until it is picked up by the intended person, or someone residing at the residence, with the residence listed on their identification.  Most USPS employees are sticklers for the rules.  There is no cost for this option.


You should take every precaution necessary to protect your packages, and ensure they reach the intended person.  During the holiday season, there is a sharp spike in the number of thefts and scams.  Do not make it easy to get scammed, or packages to get stolen. 


I know there are a lot of Add to Cart and Auto-Checkout services that are prevalent these days.  However, not all of these services can be trusted to use secure methods to store your information.  Please be sure that the service you are using is reputable and using the proper methods to store and use your information.  Never directly give your credit/debit card or Paypal information to anyone.  Paypal will hold you liable if your account is used to make a purchase, as your password should not be shared with anyone.


Be careful with gifting payments.  At anytime, you can gift a payment and the receiver can walk away with your funds and leave you with nothing.  There is no liability by Paypal, or your bank for gifted payments unless you can prove fraud. 


Paypal Invoices


When preparing your PayPal invoices, it is important for you to be as detailed as possible with the item you are selling.  This information would include, the style code, color, size and condition.  Paypal also allows you to add pictures of the item on the invoice.  Adding this information ensures that there will be no issues from the shipper. It is also important that you spell out the terms and conditions of the sale.  It is also important that you follow your own terms and conditions.   I suggest hitting him up for that information as well.


Direct messages are not enough to prove terms and conditions.  Make sure it is spelled out in the Paypal terms and conditions.  There are plenty of trusted, well-known individuals that are willing to assist you in not getting scammed.  We have to protect each other from ourselves sometimes.  Don't be afraid to reach out. 


Disclaimer


I have provided this information as a guide to protecting yourself when making transactions.  If there is more information that you believe can be provided, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I am easily assessable on twitter (@bpfillherup) or by email (bpfillherup@gmail.com)

Blind Date From Hell

Once, my homie girlfriend wanted to hook me up with her co-worker.  She told me, "She's a really nice girl and looking for a nice guy."   So I say what the hell, I have nothing to lose by simply getting to know this woman.   So I gets the number and I give her a call later that evening.   We hit it off immediately.  Probably talked for over two hours the first time.   We agreed that we wouldn't send pictures or look each other up on facebook until we'd seen each other.   Looking back on it, it was her idea.   I was kinda scared that she would be a fugly chick with 2 stomachs and 2 chins to match. 

So we talked everyday, for long periods of time for the entire week.  When we weren't talking, we were texting.  Saturday gets here and I have no plans, so I ask her out for a late lunch.  I'm remember being very nervous to meet her because I'd had a few blind date experiences, and they all turned out to be duds.  I was terrified that she would not be very attractive and that she would be weird.  I'll never forget how she pulled up to TGIF that Saturday afternoon.  I got there early in case she was a beast, so that I could just pull off and disappear.  She called me as she parked, telling me what car she was driving and that she had arrived.  She was driving a brand new car.  She stepped out, and it was like a music video or something.  Hair blowing in the faint wind, tight-fitted dress on her beautiful brown skin.  Wearing sunglasses and walking like a diva. 

I almost lost my composure as I stepped out of my SUV.  I had to get myself together, so I walked slowly at first into Fridays.  As I stepped in, I saw her seated at the bar.  I purposely took my time to let her get the table reservation.  Friday's was a packed house.  She came up to me and gave me the kind of hug you give a relative you don't like.  I did get close enough to smell her perfume.  I remember it smelling like unicorn tears and rainbows.  I was already a goner.

We sat down and exchanged pleasantries.  I asked her what she would like to drink.  She asked what I was drinking.  I ordered a Bonecrusher, and she said she would order the same.  I warned her that it was a very strong drink, but she said she was a big girl.  I shrugged.

For those unfamiliar with a Bonecrusher:
1/2 oz gin
1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz triple sec
1/2 oz rum
1/4 oz grenadine syrup
1/4 oz Lime Juice
2 oz sweet and sour mix
1 oz Champagne

As we sat and talked about everything.  I noticed that she was kinda gulping the drink down.  I suggested that she should slow down, as we had already agreed to go to DC later that evening to go to a lounge.  Again, she told me she was a big girl and could handle herself.  Again, I shrugged.

The waitress comes over and tells us that our table was ready.  Immediately, I remembered the previous time I was at this Friday's.  We were seated at the same table I performed one of my famous Dine & Dashes.  It had been a few years and surely no one out remember me.  I laughed and told her about the Dine & dash when she asked why I was smirking.  We ordered food and she asked if I wanted another Bonecrusher.  I declined, and she said, "Pussy" in a stabbing tone.  So I ordered another and she did the same.  Again, I warned her that they could be dangerous, especially for a woman her size.  She laughed it off.  Halfway through the meal, she started giggling for no apparent reason.  I realized, this was the beginning of her being drunk.  She held it together long enough to order a third Bonecrusher.  I declined to have a third as I was buzzed. 

She told me she just got a text that one of her friends was about to perform her probate for the sorority she was pledging.  It wasn't too far away and she wanted to go, and wanted me to join her.  She asked for the check.  I was going to pay, but hell, if a woman is paying, I was letting her.  She gulps down the Bonecrusher and we depart.  She follows me to the auditorium the probate was at.  I see the homie and his girl that hooked us up as we walk in.  I realized, I hadn't told him we were going out.  He was surprised to see us there.  We sat in the back as the auditorium was filled. 

Halfway through the show, what appeared to be pledges from another sorority sat down at the end of our row.  She decides that she is going to talk to them.  The pledges ignore her.  I ask her "What the hell are you doing?" and she told me to mind my business.  I decided it was time to go.  I whispered to her that it's time to go and she bursts into laughter.  I took her hand and pulled her out.  She said she had to use the bathroom.  We couldn't find the woman's bathroom, so she said she would use the men's room.  I told her I would stand outside and wait.  She invites me in to make sure no one comes in. 

She uses the urinal.  I notice she sat all the way on the seat, and I thought to myself, that's weird and unsanitary.  She comes out and zips up to me, placing her hands on my face and starts drunk kissing me.  I didn't really kiss back, and I pushed her away as I realized she was putting her filthy, unwashed hands on my face.  She caught an attitude and stormed out of the bathroom, without washing her hands might I add.  I insinuated that she might be tipsy and she started yelling at me that she wasn't drunk.  She started walking towards the car so I followed.  I told her that I would no longer be going to DC.  She told me that she was still going, as she stumbled to her car. 

I text my homie and told him that he and his girl need to intervene.  They came out to the parking lot and tried to stop her from driving.  When he tried to tell her that she was in no condition to drive, she blurted "Fuck You Bitch!"  He laughed it off and said, "I'm going let you have that one because you're a woman."  Then tells her again that she shouldn't be driving.  We tried to come up with a plan of leaving her car and returning to get it the next day, but she declined.  So his girl offered to drive her car to her house and she said no.  Then he said, "Shorty, you gonna hurt yourself if your drive tonight."  She yelled, "FUCK YOU BITCH" at the top of her lungs.  His response was "Fuck You, Kill Yourself or Die Trying," grabbed his girl by the hands and told me to get home safe. 

She was laughing so hard she began to gag.  I asked her if she was sure she didn't want a ride home.  She told me that she was still going to DC and asked me if I was going.  I looked at her, sloppy drunk, still fine as hell.  Common sense took over and I said i was gonna pass.  She asked if I would escort her to the highway.  I obliged.  As we drove we passed a few stop signs and I was sure to look up to ensure that her drunk ass did not rear-end me.  When I got to the next to last stop sign, I looked back and didn't see her.  I wondered where she could possibly have went.  Then I see her coming from over the hill. 

As we are on the highway, I see her in the far left lane zoom past me.  I notice the passenger side of her car was badly damaged, the siding was dragging on the ground and the mirror was hanging off the car.  I try to call her, but my iPhone is acting stupid and the screen was black.  I started blowing my horn and waving, but she was too busy singing.  Her window was rolled down and I could hear her music blasting.  My exit came up and I decided I was going home.  It was already midnight and I had dealt with this foolishness for almost 5 hours already. 

My phone started ringing but I couldn't answer it.  I assumed it was her.  I pulled off the highway and checked my voicemail at a hotel.  She left a message but I couldn't hear her over the music.  So I thought it was a drunk dial and went home.  It took me about 30 minutes to get home, and my phone kept ringing.  I finally was able to check my voicemail.  She had left a message saying she was on 295 pulled over and the police were behind her.  My initial thoughts were that she was definitely getting a DUI.  I called her from my land line and she told me that she was in Overlea at a gas station. She told me the police won't ticket her if I came and picked her up.  She said she would be at a gas station and gave me the address.

I google the address and it's 30 miles away.  I was instantly pissed and my phone has not finished reinstalling.  I grabbed my laptop and ran out.  I'm flying down the highway, trying to make it to her.  It took me about 20 minutes to get to the 7-Eleven.  When I got there, she wasn't parked there anymore, and neither were the cops.  I went in to ask the attendant if he had seen her, and he said she just left, then he looked up and pointed to her car flying past the 7-Eleven is the opposite direction.  I asked if I could use the phone.  When I called her, I could here the drunkenness in her voice.  I asked where she was at.  She said she was near the Odenton Fire Station.  I pleaded with her to stay in that exact spot.  The 7-Eleven attendant told me where to go and I zipped there.  It was like 3 minutes away.  I pulled up and didn't see her car.  So I got out and went in.  I asked if I could use the phone.  When I called, she answered.  I asked, "Where the hell are you?"

She told me that she was at the other gas station in Odenton.  About 5 miles down the same street.  As I drive down, it's madness.  A few hole in the wall bars with drunken 20-somethings spilling out, 2 car accidents.  Once of the accidents was about 50 feet from the fire station, blocking access to the fire station.  I was concerned that she had crashed her car.  As I got closer, it was some other poor schmuck.  I asked a nearby officer if there was a way around the accident.  I had to drive a few miles back the other direction and hit an adjacent street to get to the fire station.  I finally arrived and she wasn't there.  I used the fire stations phone to call her and she was actually pulling up.

I walk outside and look at her car, beat to shit on the passenger side and she is completely oblivious.  She looked so trashed.  Hair all over, heel broken, looked like she had been crying.  I didn't feel bad at all. I just wanted to get home at this point.  She told me that she couldn't go home in her condition and asked if she could stay at my place.  Me, thinking this is code for, "She wants to Fuck," says, ok cool.  Even though we were 10 minutes from where she lived and 40 from where I lived.  So she is following me back to my place and driving at a snails pace.  Whenever I sped up, she slowed down, so i would slow down and she would speed up and almost hit me.  This occurred for the entire drive home.  She stopped to throw up twice.  I was sure she would be arrested or wrecked her car, again.  So finally, we arrive at my place, and we get to the door of my apartment building.  She asked what floor I lived on.  I told her the 4th floor.  Then all of a sudden, she conveniently starts to stumble like she can't walk.  Part of me wanted to punch her in the face, but a small part of me really though I was gonna smash.

So, I carry her upstairs.  I'm not gonna It was a struggle carrying her up those steps, but I was going to the promised land, so it was worth it.  I finally get to the top, and she is now able to walk...How fucking convenient.  We go in and she asks for a t-shirt to sleep in.  I go in the bedroom to get the t-shirt and come out.  She is facedown, on the couch.  I tried to wake her up, but she was dead in a coma.  I gave up after trying several times.  I said fuck it and went to bed.

Woke up early about 2 hours later, the sun was already up.  I went to check on her.  This chick has thrown up on my carpet, and make-up smeared all over my new couch.  I yell "What the fuck!"  She jumps up out of her sleep.  I handed her the resolve and pointed to the couch and floor.  I was livid.  I could have fought this chick.  She cleaned everything up.  She then asked, "What's for breakfast?"  I just looked at her.  I think she took the hint and reached for her coat.

Being a gentleman, I walked her to her car.  As we walk toward her car, she sees that it has been damaged,  She looked at me and asked who hit her car.  I told her the guard rail.  She looked confused.  I didn't feel like even trying to explain anything to her.  In fact, she'll probably read this and it will be the first time she even finds out what happened that night.  I told her that I didn't know.  I gave her a half hug and told her to be careful on her way home.  She actually asked, "Can we do this again sometime?"  She actually asked that...

Apparently, I didn't learn my lesson, because I actually went out with her again, but that's another story for another time...

How would you handle this?

The Game is To Be Sold

When I was younger I used to be a little kleptomaniac.  I never stole from people, but places like Best Buy, Circuit City, and Caldor, were my favorite places to steal. I remember the day I stopped stealing shit. 

Typically, people stop stealing simply because they get caught, I only wish that was the reason I stopped. So my friends and I would typically go to different malls to pick up chicks. One day we were in Sam Goody record store and one of my friends were looking at a CD in one of the cases that had the alarm on it. The case wasn't all the way closed and he popped it open. It made a loud cracking sound. He immediately put the CD down and we walked away. 

We noticed that the employee paid the sound no mind. So I went to the counter to talk to him. My friend went back to where we left the cd. He put it in his pocket and started walking out the store. He walked out and no alarm sounded and no mall cops came. This event set off a chain reaction of us terrorizing local malls. We would steal the newest CDs and sell them to the older guys in the neighborhood for $10. At the time CDs were roughly $20. 

One day, I decided I would see how many I could steal in one day. I was in summer school at the time, so I planned out my route for the day. I would leave summer school and head down to The Gallery at the harbor, then catch the light rail to Hunt Valley, then I would hit Mondawmin Mall's Record Town and Sam Goody. The first 2 stops went off without a hitch. I had about 30 CD's on my backpack. I had gotten so good at cracking the cases, I could crack them and stash the CD's in my pocket, tuck them in my shorts, or backpack in seconds. In and out of a store in less than 3 minutes. I always made it a habit to purchase something when I stole just to throw the clerk off. When I got to Sam Goody at Mondawmin, I realized they had changed the cases. These cases didn't open the same way. 

I decided that it wouldn't be smart to try and steal anything at that time. Something told me that I should just go home with what I had already stolen for the day. I had already broken my personal best and I had enough CD's to make $400. 

As I walked past record town, I noticed they hadn't changed their I cases and that it was only one employee in the store. I felt like it wouldn't get any easier and it was a quick move.  So I went in like always, but for some reason I hesitated. I looked up and saw a cop passing. I decided that I was gonna take 5 and go. So after placing 10 in my bag, I decide I would put a few more in my pockets and tuck a few in my pants. 

I had about 10 in my pants and another 10 in my backpack. As I walked out of the store, the mall cop called me over. I thought about running, but there was no point. Too much shit in my pockets and backpack were too heavy. He asked me what I had purchased. I said nothing. I was terrified of going to jail, so I just admitted I stole CD's and took them out my pockets. He walked me to the back of the store and took my picture for the wall of shame. He then called my grandmother to tell her what I had done.

Lucky for me, my uncle who actually taught me how to steal answered the phone. He spoke to the cop as if he was gonna whip my ass good. The cop then escorted me out of the mall and told me I was banned for a year. I got to my grandmothers and my uncle asked me how I got caught. I told him I didn't buy anything. He told me that if it doesn't feel right, leave immediately. I got home and realized that I still had gotten away with a few that were in my backpack.  The cop never checked my bag at all.

So I hit the streets to make my money back. Everyone was asking for Snoop Dogg's No Limit CD, The Game is to be Sold not to be Told. I had sold most of the CD's from that day. As I was walking, a local hoodlum named Ace stopped me and asked to see the CD. I was terrified of him. He had a reputation of violence. He took the CD out of my hands. When I asked for $10 he told me, GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE. Instead of walking away, I reached for the CD. Ace grabbed me, threw me to the ground, and proceeded to kick me in the face, like he was punting a football. My face hit the ground and it scraped up my skin. 

I just laid there and he stood over me and said, Uuuughhh like Master P. I pulled myself up and walked to my boy Twan's house. He asked me what happened, and I said, "I'm ready for war" mimicking Canibus. 

That was the last day I ever stole. I realized I wasn't built for that life. When I walked around the neighborhood, I avoided Ace at all costs. I would literally walk 20 or 30 minutes out of the way. If he stood in front of the building that I lived in, I would walk to my grandmothers house and stay the night.

I always told myself that when I got older I would whip Aces ass. I remember being home one summer a few years ago and asking if anyone had seen Ace. They told me he had life in jail for multiple homicides and beating someone until they were a vegetable....

Needless to say, I'm glad I never ran into him again. 

Nike 20% Off - The Jig

You've somehow managed to scratch, bite and claw your way to the latest limited release from Nike.com, only get receive your brand new kicks with a major flaw. You are frustrated with the product you have received. So you decide to call Nike customer support and express your dissatisfaction. After hearing your concerns, Nike awards you with a 20% off discount code for being such a loyal customer.

With your brand new, 20% any entire cart, you decide that you will get the most out of your code. You design a very nice NikeID, add a t-shirt to match and you have everything in your cart your desire. You go to apply your code, and get the message "The coupon number you entered has already been used. If you feel you've reached this message in error, please re-check the coupon number and try again. [Code: 030D-00000000]" You, obviously confused, try re-entering the code a few more times, but to no avail. Your 20% off discount code, for your defective product has been used by someone else. You try to figure out how this could have happened.

Here's how. In recent weeks, it was revealed that people had gathered the ability to alter the discount codes that Nike provided, following a simple pattern. Changing a few numbers here or there could net you a brand new 20% discount code. A code that had previously been issued to another Nike customer. Nike customers began bragging about getting 20% off on every order. Even boasting of ordering an $8 pair of socks and getting 20% off with free 2-day shipping. That in effect, caused Nike to lose money due to shipping.

More and more people began to exploit this loophole at Nike's expense.  It was only a matter of time before someone would have the audacity to start selling the codes to make money.  Smaller accounts began charging a few dollars for the discount codes, that could become hundreds of dollars in discounts. Then a major account began to sell the codes for $10. They sold out in two days. With hundreds of orders being processed, almost as soon as they were being purchased, using 20% off, no proof of any orders canceled for using an ill-gained discount code has surfaced.

In recent days, Nike's arch nemesis, got wind of the "discount code jig" and began to search and destroy.  The rival posted hundreds of discount codes; many were used just as fast as they were posted, setting out to end Nike's corruption and force changes.

Will Nike allow this to continue or are we in store for massive changes? Will Nike eliminate the promotion as a means to end this exploit? Will using one of these codes result in a permanent ban from Nike? Are you willing to risk it? We shall soon find out.

Angry Black Man

The Evolution of the Sneakerhead

"The game has changed!" "It didn't used to be like this!" "Those sat forever!" I copped those from the outlet!" All quotes we have all heard within the last year and a half. A few years ago, copping was relatively easy. Wake up, go to footlocker at 10am, get your shoes and go home. Or wake up at 11:55am for the midnight drops on nike.com. When the Space Jam XI dropped, finishline had a limit of five per person. FIVE PER PERSON.

GAME CHANGED

The sneaker game has in fact changed. With so many newbies to the sneaker game in such a short time, the game had to evolve. In the past, you think of sneakerheads being teenagers and 20-somethings who spent all their money on sneakers. Bragged on how they had every Jordan. Sneakerheads were never taken serious. They hung out in malls, usually chatted in groups, joked in the back of the bus...but not anymore. You can't differentiate the sneakerhead from the average Joe anymore. Hard-working, blue-collar corporate executives have joined the party. The single mom goes out to acquire the latest Jordan's for her and her child. The demographic has changed. The buyer has changed. The sellers have changed...

NIKE RESPONDS

Sneaker companies have been very eager to appease the sneakerhead, both newbie and old school. We used to have 12 months of Jordan's. We couldn't wait to see what Jordan Nike would retro the next month. Now Nike and Jordan brand have been as bold to release multiple retros on the same day. I can't remember the last time Jordan brand didn't dropped a Saturday retro release. Every week we are given a retro. Why??? Because we keep buying them. The newbie loves the new colorways. The old school will buy it because it's a retro, but will always, always, buy the OG colorway. The OG colorway was mass-produced in recent releases to accommodate the hype. Don't believe me, you can go out during the next Holiday XI drop.

Hype creates hype. Nike throw's out a teaser...The Internet responds...negatively, make it limited. Then it's a dope shoe. How can we bring the foamposite back to life? Do collaboration with Supreme and make it a Yeezy 2 colorway. Air Force 1 is dead? Put a cork option on Nike ID. Customers complaining about lack of availability of a product? Have a restock. Then restock the restock. Only a few stores are getting the shoe? Nike allows more companies and boutiques to have tier 1 accounts. A shoe isn't in high demand? Throw it in a pack with a shoe everyone wants. Nike might not always supply the demand, but they always have a response. Eventually you will buy something. Which brings me to...

THE RESELLER

There are several types of resellers. The reseller that has connects can get multiple pairs, in multiple sizes, of most releases. A power reseller usually does pre-orders, usually sells out, and usually has a large following. The reseller that has the best bots and fastest Internet, and the best computer money can buy. This reseller will also take pre-orders, but very few compared to a power reseller. They cannot say for sure they will come through. Also, there is a possibility that they will not have the shoe for 3-5 days later. Then you have the reseller that will be lucky to grab a pair and try to sell it for a few bucks over retail. They get the occasional pair. Reselling is a major part of the game. Having paid resale, and resold, I have no problem with the reseller, get your money. My problem is everyone can't be a reseller. Go to sneaker con, and it's more sellers, than buyers, traders or spectators. Hundreds of people holding the latest GR that dropped in the air as they walk through the crowd trying to charge $50 over box price for a shoe that in some instances are still on shelves. The nickel and dime reseller will usually be stuck with a few pairs.

This is just one Angry man's opinion...