New pair of boots starts me serious street heeling.

[Tech]

I don't really understand the grain thing as I've never dealt with film before, but I do understand the digital side. 1080p looks just fine on my 23" monitor here, but that's nowhere near the size of a theater screen. That sounds like it would be a noticeable decrease in quality if it's only going to be twice the resolution. I might as well just wait for it to come out on dvd and watch it on my computer once I get a better headset.

Each screen has a resolution that it is capable of...

My 24" monitor for example, 1920 x 1200 pixels...

So, 1080HD video doesnt even fit on my screen, it leaves a border round the edge if played at 100% of its own size...

If you then make that even bigger, say for example, my 36" HDTV, that has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels (widescreen) or something stupid like that, then all your really doing is making the movie pixels bigger, to fit them onto the screen at 100%.

Like when you blow up a small photo on a photocopier...

You dont have any extra data to make the resolution better, so the bigger it gets, the worse it looks.

Or for the graphics folk, its like the difference between enlarging a jpg or a vector graphic. The Vector is the analogue and the .jpg is the digital HD.

I think thats about right? Is it? Sounds right in my head... lol

[Shafted]

I don't really understand the grain thing as I've never dealt with film before, but I do understand the digital side. 1080p looks just fine on my 23" monitor here, but that's nowhere near the size of a theater screen. That sounds like it would be a noticeable decrease in quality if it's only going to be twice the resolution. I might as well just wait for it to come out on dvd and watch it on my computer once I get a better headset.

Modern 35mm movie film is composed of a clear polyester substrate(base) that has a solidified gel emulsion containing 3 different light sensitive color dyes which store the frames, stereo analog optical soundtrack, Dolby Digital soundtrack, SDDS (Sony Dynamic Digital Sound) soundtrack and a time code track for DTS (Digital Theatre Systems). (see attachment)

Grain are the microscopic particles of color dye that are evenly and randomly distributed over the surface of the film suspended in the emulsion. While grain is visible in a greatly magnified image (see attachment), remember the distribution is random so every frame has a different pattern. Think of your computer monitor as having pixels that can move around with ech refresh so you can't see them. The resolving power now becomes theoretically unlimited due to the averaging nature of the human eye.

That's the true magic of film that digital can't reproduce due to a fixed matrix of pixels. Digital has been likened to looking at the world through a screen door. The analogy is a little extreme but accurate.

Well for the sake of this forum many a high heels have graced this wonderful medium over the years.

[Thighbootguy]

Back in the B&W darkroom days the enlarger was focused by reflecting the image on the easel back through a lens that magnified the image so you could accurately focus the enlarger. I had one focusing tool that was magnified enough to see the grain in the film. To my surprise this device is still manufactured and available today. A good color film and good lenses can resolve about 120 lp/mm, i.e. 240 pixels/mm. This means a 35mm frame has a resolution of 36*240*24*240=49,766,400 (almost 50 MPixels). A good fine grain B & W film has a much higher resolution than that. But image resolution is only half the story, film has a much higher dynamic range than charged couple device. It takes about 12 bit to represent the graduation of black to white (8092 shades of gray) available in normal film and even more in fine grain film. Is this much data wasted on an Iphone or computer monitor or any TV image… absolutely. The process of converting an analog image (film) to digital throws away most of the data but your eye puts it back in when we see the image. That works for a small display, and a 48” TV is a small display when compared with a movie theater screen. When an image 36x24 mm is enlarged to movie screen size 36x24 feet (a factor of 92,903.04) it requires there be a lot of information in the film to start with. It sounds to me like the movie industry has decided on a resolution level that the viewing public will tolerate on a big screen but not one bit more. This reminds me of the old Beta VHS fight for the VCR market. Beta had a much better image and digital sound while VHS had a lower resolution and analog sound but VHS could cram 6 hrs. of awful quality image on a tape while Beta held the higher standard and was limited to 2 hrs. Try to find a Beta player today. For that matter, try to find 35mm film today.

[Shafted]

I spent part of the day today at McDonald's in another oversize sweater with skinny jeans an my Kimel List boots. I was there for 2-3 hours browsing hhplace with my laptop using their Wi-Fi connection. I happened to notice a teenage boy holding his cellphone camera in my direction. I hope he got a good picture. I hope he shows it to a lot of people. Little did he know that I was using him to spread the word.

[Shafted]

Wow, what a totally gorgeous day today. Mid March T-shirt weather. Wore a beige oversized chenille sweater with my Levis EX-GF jeans and Restricted Barbarella boots with 4 inch stiletto heels. First stop on this outing was Al's Pizza in Skowhegan. I was craving a fresh dough hamburg and mushroom pizza. I went up to the counter and ordered my food then proceeded to a table in the dining room. A group of four teenagers (3 girls, 1 boy) came in one at a time while I was waiting for my food. All noticed in passing but it didn't seem to be any big deal to them. I certainly hope I was a worthy topic of their discussion. Next it was off to the bank to make a deposit. Chatted about the wonderful weather we were having with two of the tellers. Then it was time to hit Dollar Tree for some groceries. Filled a shopping cart for $50. Again despite there being people all about the store no one said a peep or gave me any disapproving looks. Chatted with the cashier and the woman behind me in line as I was loading up the conveyor with my stuff. What a wonderful world/time we live in when a guy can go pretty much anywhere in public in stilettos and not only be tolerated but generally accepted. Again it's about creating that positive image of a guy in high heels. Whew, time for a clothing change. That sweater is just too darn hot for this weather. Went home and took care of the groceries and changed the sweater for my DKNY tee and headed to Rite Aid for some of that 4 rolls for a $1 toilet tissue. Again everyone saw but it really was no big deal for them. I think it's safe to say I made my mark.

[bluejay]

Shafted, I totally agree with you about this unseasonable warm weather we are having this March, when you can sit outside and sip a nice cocktail is really great for this time of year. Yesterday, I got one of my totes out with summer sandals in it. Put a pair of heeled sandals and took the wife out for an ice cream treat. What a line for a Sunday evening in Mid-March. I think that I will have to move up the date for a spring pedicure, if this unseasonable warm weather continues. Sandals with capris or shorts will be the order of the day. Incidentally my wife got her pedicure about a week ago. I was thinking about mid-May, but will have to move that up this year. Incidentally, today Monday is the 5th day in a row that a record high temp was established in my area. Happy Heeling, bluejay

[Shafted]

Here I sit in the dining area of the Skowhegan McDonald's, wearing my Levis EX-GF jeans, beige chenille sweater, and my Miss Tina black suede over calf boots with a gold 5" stiletto heel and gold piping and sole. This is kind of becoming a regular habit for me. I think the big draw for me is their Wi-Fi connection that allows me to browse HHPlace in an envirnment where people are coming and going all day. I suppose it's a bit of people watching as well. It's a great place to be seen wearing heels. People come and go with barely any reaction at all. I haven't as yet had anyone approach me about my heel wearing, but certainly will welcome it if they do. This is something that I'm finding rather enjoyable, beats being online from home any day.

[ilikekicks]

..and my Miss Tina black suede over calf boots with a gold 5" stiletto heel and gold piping and sole.

Pics of the boots? Ya dont have to be wearing them.. Im just into the 80's type of metal heels..

[Shafted]

Yeah, I should know better than talk and no show. Here ya go. Not a metal heel really.

[ilikekicks]

Not a metal heel but still.. I think I could wear something like that. Not bad at all.

[Shafted]

New gallery updates for spring. A very candid set shot by Vanessa. Couldn't wait to get these shoes off tonight when I got home. I have had to resort to wearing them barefoot to keep them on my feet as they are too large for me to wear with nylon stockings now. I love these shoes so if I'm going to continue wearing them barefoot I'm going to have to go to work on them to relieve some of the areas of abrasion. I do believe moleskin in in order for this task. Some of the inner liner seams are a problem as well as the top of the heel cup. At least I have another pair of pumps on the way, in my new size. Some of my encounters today dressed like this? Well I dined at Kwong Lee Chinese restaurant in Pittsfield, before work at the theatre. Lot's of Asian foreign exchange students from MCI dine here regularly. Never had a problem.

[Shafted]

Here I sit at McDonald's again wearing my black theatre work tee, heather gray Levis Action Slacks and my Frederick's of Hollywood black patent and pinstripe pumps with silver buckle detail. Noticed one female employee taking more than one look at my shoes with noticeable curiousity on her face. Noticed a couple of the other customers looking as well.

[Shafted]

Hah! Just became the subject of another cell phone photo.

[Rei]

Hah! Just became the subject of another cell phone photo.

I assume it was another teenager?

I can see it now...

"OMG its a guy in high heels!" *pic*

"Weeeeird"

"What the?"

"That's a new one"

"He must be gay"

and don't forget the

"Where did all the REAL men go?"

[Shafted]

I assume it was another teenager?

I can see it now...

"OMG its a guy in high heels!" *pic*

"Weeeeird"

"What the?"

"That's a new one"

"He must be gay"

and don't forget the

"Where did all the REAL men go?"

Actually no, it was a young heavy set but not unattractive woman. I beleive she was wearing a pair of rattan wedge sandals with her summer dress.

[Steve63130]

I've heard of the People of Walmart web site. Maybe she's starting a People of McDonald's site. You could be the very first photo, Shafted! Steve

[Rei]

Actually no, it was a young heavy set but not unattractive woman. I beleive she was wearing a pair of rattan wedge sandals with her summer dress.

That actually sounds positive, unlike the last picture-taker. I hope she spreads some good opinions about men in heels. No doubt because you actually have a coordinated look.

[Shafted]

Well here I sit again in the Skowhegan McDonald's for lunch in my black theatre work tee over a black long sleeve fishnet top, Levis EX-GF skinny jeans and my Kimel Design Studio List black suede overcalf spike heeled boots. The outfit is topped off with my Peruzzi Leather bomber jacket and Dollar Tree acrylic scarf. I noticed at least one more cellphone shutterbug taking my picture while I was waiting in line to grab dessert. I think I'm currently on a campaign to see just how many cellphone pics that I can get taken of me. The more the better in my book. Every pic taken of me is just one more person helping to spread the word.

[Shafted]

Once again here at the Skowhegan McDonald's. Settled down with an Egg McMuffin with and order of hash browns a medium orange juice and a large coffee. I'm wearing my Levis EX-GF jeans, Nike Witness tee over a long sleeved fishnet shirt and my Highest Heel Collection Dragon boots with the red embroidery. The large coffee was getting low so I decided to get up and order an additional medium coffee (I am a coffee hound.) Had a most wonderful and surprising positive reaction from a group of 3 men (all dressed in typical male clothing (baggy jeans, t-shirts, work boots and ball caps) at a table near my window booth. Two of the three complimented me on my whole outfit and taking the time to point out the elements of my look that they really liked. They especially liked the combination of the Nike tee and the Dragon boots. One also pointed just out how much he admires people who dress as they want. This was like one of the biggest compliments I have EVER received and it came from a group of guys. And here's a quick webcam pic of me here at McDonald's.

[SleekHeels]

What's amazing is that the guys felt free to express approval of your outfit without their sexuality or morality being called into question. That's pretty cool and progressive.

[Shafted]

Well I'm in Pittsfield right now at a friend's house. On my way here I stopped into Rite-Aid to pick up a couple of Starbuck's Doubleshot mochas. I received a great compliment from the cute blond behind the cash register. Her: Those are hot. Me: Hmm? Her: Your boots are hot. Me: Oh, thank you. We went on for a few more seconds (where I got them and such) while she was ringing me up. I've been in this place many times, but this is the first time I've received a compliment from any of the staff. I still turn heads in the places I go (most of my heels are pretty noisy), but it seems people are more curious than anything about a guy wearing high heels. I would wager a bet that those that see me in heels for the first time have at least heard of me beforehand. People have made my heeling experiences enjoyable. I think it's "old hat" so to speak for most people that see me.

[Shafted]

I worked the afternoon matinee at the theatre today wearing my EX-GF skinnies with my Cole Haan Lydia boot, the knee high bronze python boots (they are in my gallery) and an oversize sweater that actually matched the boots. The boots are the ones that the cashier at Rite-Aid thought were hot. Garnered a compliment from a woman patron while I was hustling her popcorn. Her: I love your boots. Me: Thank you. Most of the time it's the style and not necessarily the height that people are drawn to. It was only an itty bitty 3 inch spike heel.

[Shafted]

Well on the way to work this evening I wore my Levis EX-GF jeans with my theatre tee and my Restricted Barberella boots (The exact outfit is in my gallery). Stopped into Rite-Aid on the way to pick up some toilet paper. When I got to the checkout counter the same cute blond was working and again noticed my boots. Her: OMG, those boots are hot too! Me: Thanks, keep an eye out because I tend to wear a lot of hot looking footwear. Her: And here I am wearing my Walmart specials. Never been really into blondes, but she is just too cute.

[JeffB]

Shafted: Isn't it great when we get positive comments on out footwear from others? Especially from women who are openminded enough to appreciate great looking heels, even when men are wearing them.

[Shafted]

It sure does Jeff. As many times as it's happened it still does feel good.

[bluejay]

Shafted: Isn't it great when we get positive comments on out footwear from others? Especially from women who are openminded enough to appreciate great looking heels, even when men are wearing them.

Shafted, I totally agree with JeffB. I am ofter complimented on my choice of footwear from the ladies. They can appreciate that fact. I love to get those compliments and I also do compliment the ladies on their shoes often!

Happy Heeling,

bluejay

[Shafted]

Bluejay, I'd love to handout more compliments to women here more but unfortunately most just don't wear heels at all. To top it off they just let themselves go. The land of no maintenance women. They don't even try. Once in a while though I'm pleasantly surprised.

[JeffB]

Bluejay, I'd love to handout more compliments to women here more but unfortunately most just don't wear heels at all.

Indeed, everywhere you look these days, it's ballet flats out the wazoo, almost moreso than the forever hated flip-flops, but I expect that particular dynamic to change now that the warmer weather is here.

[Shafted]

Indeed, everywhere you look these days, it's ballet flats out the wazoo, almost moreso than the forever hated flip-flops, but I expect that particular dynamic to change now that the warmer weather is here.

Well Jeff, I do see women wearing ballet flats occasionally here, but more often than not the situation is worse. Uggs and Ugg clones are popular as are just plain ugly shoes and sneakers (trainers) and flip flops. Maine is really a bad place if you want to see a woman in classy heels or shoes for that matter.

[ilikekicks]

Indeed, everywhere you look these days, it's ballet flats out the wazoo, almost moreso than the forever hated flip-flops, but I expect that particular dynamic to change now that the warmer weather is here.

Flip-Flops. The ultimate statement of ' I have no class and live in a trailer! '.

Whats even worse is some people wear them and it looks like they have NEVER washed their feet. Fungus growing and junk all about..

Shafted.. I wear Uggs, but not like the normal drab ones. 5816's and Front laced ones. I wear them to keep the feet warm in the winter, NOT as a ' fashion ' entity at all. Usually if theres going to be a ' Peta Believer ' in the group, I will intentionally wear them