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BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks
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Subject: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 22 Sep 00 - 04:25 PM This is half-serious, believe it or not. I'd like to know what any of you phoakies do with your old Birks. Yeah, you know, all phoakies have to wear Birks, right?**BG** Anyway, I have about 5 pair purchased over the last 20 years and I am having a hard time deciding whether to get some of the older ones rebuilt with new footbeds, cork soles, etc. I am having a harder time deciding on whether to throw any of them away or not. Have any of you done so? Or, do you just keep re-soling them and wearing them forever? I did give up and order a new pair, today, so at least I don't have to decide on the rebuilds until later. Thanks! kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Matt Woodbury/Mimosa Date: 22 Sep 00 - 04:50 PM Ok, first, to turn it into a musical thread, Wonderful shoes I've had my arizonas resoled once, through a place I found via the "Footprints" catalog. They did a good job, but the cork beds are falling apart. If I get those replaced, I've essentially replaced most of the shoe.
I suppose when I run out of storage space, or stop wearing an old pair, That's the time to retire them to compost or something. Can you compost in Casper? Mimosa |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Sorcha Date: 22 Sep 00 - 04:50 PM I've NEVER owned a pair of Birks, but I had my barefoot Roman style sandals re-soled until the heel straps broke--I think about 6 times in 8 years. Finally found a leathersmith to make me a new pair this summer!! Whoopee! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Matt Woodbury/Mimosa Date: 22 Sep 00 - 04:53 PM Oh, and if they've retired the style you like, rebuilding is the only way to keep them. Mimosawhodidn'twearbootsontheranchmostofthesummer |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 22 Sep 00 - 04:54 PM I've never thrown any of mine away. When they're really old and ratty looking and not presentable to wear to town, they're just perfect for old, soft, bedroom slippers. Another pair of "oldies but goodies" I use to wear when it's raining or I'm working in the yard. I'd have a hell of a time trying to decide: should I? or shouldn't I? Sorry, kat, I guess I'm not much help. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Little Neophyte Date: 22 Sep 00 - 05:18 PM Oh kat you touch on a timely subject because I was starting to question the life expentancy of my Birks. I once mailed them away 6 years ago to the Birks doctor in Nelson BC who recorked them. But I am not sure, I think they need to be 'put down' Is there a Birkenstock cemetery I am not aware of? Maybe I should buy a plot. I am so attached to my Birks that when I come home, I have to find them first or I can't do anything else. Kind of like people who can't do a thing without their eye glasses on. I have a friend who is so attached to his Birks he now has duct tape holding the few stands of leather left on them together. Bonnie
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 22 Sep 00 - 05:30 PM Bonnie ... I've seen more birks duct-taped together than any other shoe on earth. Shoe Goo works around the edges between the footbed and the cork. And little rubberized plastic heel "taps" work great. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Little Neophyte Date: 22 Sep 00 - 05:34 PM I don't know moonjen, I figure if it got to the point I had to ductape or Shoe Goo my Birks it kind of reminds me of putting people on life support systems when you should really let them pass on. But I do appreciate the suggestions, just seems like a horrible way to end one's shoe life. Bonnie |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 22 Sep 00 - 05:52 PM Now I don't want to get into an argument here or nothin'.........but,uh.....I want to point out to you guys that these are shoes you're talking about here. I mean it ain't like deciding on what to do with Uncle Buford's ashes. Now I don't wear ANY sandals myself so I'll just move along here. Just wanted to be sure you knew you were talking about shoes. Happy Toenails to You, Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Little Neophyte Date: 22 Sep 00 - 06:17 PM I can not believe how insensitive you are being about this issue Mr. Catspaw. Maybe you have never bonded with your shoes or something. Bonnie |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Micca Date: 22 Sep 00 - 06:19 PM What are Birkenstocks??? |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Mbo Date: 22 Sep 00 - 06:23 PM My question exactly, Micca! Because I have flat feet and bad ankles, I've always worn high-top sneakers. And I won't wear anything else. I wouldn't be caught DEAD in ANYTHING resembling a sandal. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 22 Sep 00 - 06:31 PM Oh no Bonnie.....I understand about bonding with clothing. I've had several shirts that I bonded with....or rather they bonded with me because I didn't wash them and wore them for several days. Even worse was a jockstrap that developed a serious attachment to me back in high school. Very painful. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Fortunato Date: 22 Sep 00 - 06:45 PM Miss Bonnie. Glad to hear your virtual voice, I've missed you. How are you, all sandals aside? Please PM me and tell me how you're doing. Clearly people feel emotionally attached to their sandals. I wonder if they feel as close to their mates? Bon Soir Mes Amis, fortunato |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 22 Sep 00 - 07:25 PM Well, they aren't ALL sandals, you insensitive sods!**BG** Thanks to those of you understand the attachment.*sniff, sob, smile* There is a fantastic place in CT, where I bought all of mine which does a grand jo of rebuilding and has the largest selection available I've ever seen. Micca, darlin'...if you click on this you will see what I am shod in, all of my up and at 'em time.:-) Bonnie, I wonder if a Birkenstock cemetery would be profitable? I am always looking for new ventures. LOL katlaughing |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Mbo Date: 22 Sep 00 - 07:31 PM You folks are bee-zarre! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: MartinRyan Date: 22 Sep 00 - 07:54 PM Have you phoaks considered shoe-i-cide? Regards. p.s. As a very late convert to Birkenstocks (or Rickenbachers, as I call them), I'm fascinated by their indestructability. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Little Neophyte Date: 22 Sep 00 - 08:36 PM So what did you do Catspaw, bronze your jockstrap? Or did it solidify on its own. I use to wear an Esso mechanics suit when I was 12 years old with the monogram Bill. Guess he was a fine mechanic. I loved that suit. I would not part with it. It didn't smell too good but I loved that suit. I feel the same way about my shoes. Well kat if you want to start a Birks cemetery lets talk, it could be a worth while investment. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Art Thieme Date: 22 Sep 00 - 08:45 PM A great quote from the novel Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry--one character speaking about another says: "He never was one to get rid of a garment just because it had some age on it." Kat, Carol wore hers forever. She used to paint the cork with a product called "BARGE CEMENT" that Birkenstock suggested to her when the cork started to decompose. Worked real well. When they finally gave up the ghost, she did, at long last throw them away. When she did remove her feet from them we found at least 50 grubs living in the toe and heel depressions. The ones we got her after that left a lot to be desired. But just a couple o' months ago, I saw an ad in the Chicago Reader weekly newspaper for a shop on Armitage Ave. in Chi that sold ONLY Birkenstocks. Secretly, I traced the souls of her unsatisfactory sandals, got those to our son in that town, specified the style, and he got 'em for her. (I paid.) I'm happy to say that she is extremely happy with her new ones. And, no, Birkenstock is not the name of a town in New York where there was a music festival a long time ago. Art Thieme |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Micca Date: 22 Sep 00 - 09:03 PM They sound like the footware equivalnt of a Tilley hat!!!! lasts for ever, leave it to someone in your Will kninda thing? |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 22 Sep 00 - 09:22 PM Yeah, that'd be great Micca.....if you want to leave some smelly-ass pair of shoes to your heirs. And to my nephew Hugh G. Rection, I bequeath my Birkenstocks in the hope that he can get the smell out of them after removing the maggots from the cork and coating it with Barge cement. Also my favorite hat, recently blocked by an Albanian Flea Circus proprietor. Yeah....thanks.........uh, right then......... Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 22 Sep 00 - 10:28 PM You lot are BRILL, I am LMAO!!! Thanks!!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 12:07 AM Art ... I've used that quote from Lonesome Dove, often! bonnie, kat, et. al., be careful, we'll be accused of starting a birkieclique. I bought my first pair in 1975, from a little hole-in-the-wall store in the Georgetown section of Washington, D.C., which was owned by a group of Sikhs. There were two styles, brown or black, leather or suede. My father said I had just rounded-out my collection of "the ugliest shows in the world." (Added them to my collection of Earth Shoes, Clark Wallabys, Famolares.) When you encountered someone else, on the streets, wearing birkies, there was a sly wink and a secret handshake. "We" knew ..... You learned to be tuff, whenever anyone asked the question "Where the hell did you get those ugly things." I wear mine all year 'round. Even in Alaska, I wore them all year 'round and just added wool socks in the winter. Fairbanks has very dry, powdery snow, so there was no need to worry about slogging about in "snirt" = snowdirt. The only problem comes when, for some reason, you have to put your foot into a regular shoe, like a pump. It takes a shoe horn and lots of PAM. Are we fanatibirks? You betcha! But we also tend to have better moods 'cause our feet don't hurt. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: SpitWhistle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 01:02 AM Well... here's a site for the most comfortable sandals I have ever worn... and they last a long time too! http://www.pipersandals.com/ |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 23 Sep 00 - 01:16 AM I wonder what kind of sandals this guy is wearing??? Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 23 Sep 00 - 01:19 AM You are so twisted! LMAO!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: GUEST,jaze Date: 23 Sep 00 - 01:24 AM Love Birks, but I really miss Earth shoes. Does anyone know if they're still available???? |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 23 Sep 00 - 01:28 AM No, I don't think so. The president of the company died tragically when he tilted over backwards received a nasty whack on the back of the head resulting in a cerebral hemmorage. I think I heard that somewhere............... Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 02:41 AM g-d! I had three pairs of Earth Shoes, trying to find some that were comfortable. They were the most uncomfortable shoes I've ever worn! And I literally felt like I was going to fall over backwards, whenever I wore them. Why would anyone think that having your heels lower and your toes sticking up would be beneficial to your back, is beyond me. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 02:43 AM spaw ... you are totally demented! But so funny ... |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 23 Sep 00 - 03:32 AM Apparently one can still buy Earth shoes at such places as WalMart and Macy's! I liked the ones I had, when I had them. Probably would not get along well with them now.*BG* Anyway, for a fun look at shoe nostalgia, I found this at this site: "I had a pair. Size 9. William S. Burroughs wore them, too. Contrary to popular belief, earth shoes were not invented in the 1970's, but designed in 1957 by a Danish yoga instructor named Anne Kals. They were first sold in the United States in 1970 under licence by Raymond and Eleanor Jacobs of New York City. The Jacobs changed the name from Anne Kals Minus Heel Shoes to Earth Shoes in honor of the first Earth Day. Besieged by banking distputes, the Jacobs once multimillion-dollar company went bankrupt in 1977. The unique characteristic of Earth Shoes was their negative heel, which meant that the heel was lower than the toe. This design was said to imitate the feeling of walking in sand and improve posture. I remember the first time I ever wore them; the fronts were tapered and I felt like I was falling forward with every step."
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Little Neophyte Date: 23 Sep 00 - 06:43 AM When you guys were younger, in your teens, did you use to walk barefoot until you build up so much callus that you could probably walk on hot coals? I remember it was 'cool' to be barefoot. Catspaw I think Jesus use to walk barefoot. Doesn't really benefit the shoe industry though. Can you imagine duct taping your orthotics to the arches of your feet. That would be pretty funny. Little Neo |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Ferrara Date: 23 Sep 00 - 07:08 PM Well I do try to avoid the BS threads even though they are often the funniest thing on the Cat ... But realizing that there are kindred spirits and Birkenstock graveyards in other closets than mine was irresistible!!! Bill say, "When you people die, do your soles go to Heaven?" Jen, I was so glad to hear that someone else wears them (with socks) in the winter! -- Have done that for about 6 years. Can you have them resoled after you wear down the right heel right into the cork from wearing them while you're driving? (I have a little pad that's supposed to protect my shoe heels when I drive. It may actually help but they all come to ruin in the end.) Bill just said he had a pair of earth shoes. Bought them in DC in Georgetown at the Earth Shoe Store in 1975 (really!) |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 07:11 PM Rita ... tell Bill that's where I bought mine! I have never liked to go barefoot, even in the house. I think it's from living on islands for so many years and the sand grit that was everpresent. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 23 Sep 00 - 07:41 PM Yes! Rita, you can! Nice to see you in here!*BG* If you go to the website I put a link in for, you will find info on having yours repaired. I cannot recommend the place in CT enough. Birks are all they do and they are superb at it. Bonnie, we used to go barefoot, in the house, but living in the country it was important to have on shoes when we were outside, esp. if there were snakes around. Even with shoes, when I was 13 I ran up a slight hill and stepped on the nail of a rusty hinge. Ran it all the way through my foot. Screamed bloody murder, with the peacocks chiming in. Much as I love my Birks, I am not sure I could ever go hiking in them. My dad and mom drilled it into us so much that we must have on hightop boots to go hiking, just because some scared old snake might take a strike at us.:-) Maybe Aine could make this a new song challenge. What would you write in a song about your Birks? Moonjen, you had me falling out of my chair with laughter...actually several of you did, shoe-i-cide, indeed! kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 07:58 PM There was an old woman who lived in a shoe She had so many pairs, she didn't know what to do She complained about blisters and all of her hurts She hobbled around in pain, in fits and in spurts Then one day she got smart, she threw them all in the dirt And said "From now on, my friends, it's just me and my birks."
line breaks added |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Bill D Date: 23 Sep 00 - 08:09 PM I think I still have a significant number of all the pairs of shoes/boots I have owned in the last 15-20 years, including a pair of Earth Shoes clones!!...and a few that I have had longer. I have a pair of really 'generic' "tennis shoes" (low sneakers) that I bought in Lawerence Kans, about 1972..(yes...they ARE ratty looking ..but once or twice a year they are just the thing for some yard job when my feet are hot and I don't have sandals... I also own a pair of WW2 Woolen US Army Arctic boots...which require felt liners...they are HUGE with the extra space required...but warm!..(I used to work in a surplus store which had a few pair...plus the liners.) Now MOST of these shoes do NOT get worn...but the mind says.."gee...if I ever have to walk thru some tar on my street, I could wear THESE!".. Yeah, yeah...make jokes, I can take it. *grin*... (maybe it started when I realized my mother STILL had my bronzed baby shoes!) |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 08:13 PM Thanks, joeclone ... but I do other things good, don't I? |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 23 Sep 00 - 08:28 PM I remember buy a three pack of Fruit of the Looms at Weilbacher's Suburban Shop, 6827 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, 43068 on March 24, 1973 just after 6:45 PM, EST. Then there was the time I picked up a nice set of earmuffs there too. I believe this was December 3, 1974 at 5:27 PM, EST, although it may have been a bit later. ............Do all of you catalog this stuff or what? Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 08:38 PM Because all fanatibirks have their feet planted firmly on the ground, our brains are more level, and that allows space for remembering events dating back, oh, 30-40 years. Like ... I was deflowered on a fiberglass door that had just been sanded, on April 8, 1966. A moment that will forever be forever implanted on my boyfriend's butt. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 23 Sep 00 - 09:04 PM Gawd but I love words. Deflowered. Was this guy Luther Burbank? Couldn't you replant? Have you checked in the Park Seed catalog or from Ferry-Morse? (:<)) Of course there are so many lovely others. Debauched. Right, what's a BAUCH and why is it valuable? How about the good old "cherry" lines.....lost cherry, took her cherry. I have seen plenty of female genitalia and not one of them has resembled a cherry in any way, shape, or form. "Slept with" is always entertaining although I have never known anyone who could fuck and sleep at the same time. I've heard some guys are real bad, but has anyone actually fallen asleep? Oh well.........back to the Birkenstocks............. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 09:13 PM I can. |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Bill D Date: 23 Sep 00 - 09:38 PM there was once a statutory rape case in the south..(Kentucky, maybe?)..because the defendant was DUMB, and the court could not bear to use the explicit language the defendant 'might' have understood. "Jed, did you have carnal knowlege of this girl?" "Huh?" "Did you sleep with her" "Not a wink, your honor!" |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 23 Sep 00 - 09:49 PM Good old joke Bill!!! BTW though, I think only folks like Jeffrey Dahmer have "carnal knowledge" of their sexual partners. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: rangeroger Date: 23 Sep 00 - 09:54 PM I threw my Birks away when the cork finally disintegrated.Never did get another pair.If I wear sandals too long my heels dry out and crack. rr |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: JenEllen Date: 23 Sep 00 - 09:58 PM LOL Don't say g'bye to them!!! 5 pairs? Do like Morty's underpants and write the days of the week on them?? Save the weekends for bare-footin'!! ~Elle **Anyone serious about getting them fixed can PM me. A bonus to marrying the Mister, I got a Birkenstock repairperson in the family now...(gift from the gods???) Great work done cheap.** |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: bbelle Date: 23 Sep 00 - 10:10 PM Geez, Elle ... I never thought about adding that to my criteria ... but it's a damn good idea. Let's see ... wanted: single man, no priors, able to turn cork, cheap. Is that how you did it? I'm waiting with breath abating ... |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: katlaughing Date: 24 Sep 00 - 12:38 AM Jenellen, you serious, gyrlfriend??!!! BONUS!! Spaw, haven't thought of Park Seed Co. in years. We used to love getting their catalogue every year and planning my mom's gardens, buying the seeds and plants from them.
What about for-ni-cate? Why 4, why not 2 or 3 and why Cate, why is she always the one??!!! I can see two-ni-cate becoming popular around here.
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: Little Neophyte Date: 24 Sep 00 - 09:12 AM I think the big question that remains is.......... Have you done it in your Birkenstocks? Little Neo |
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Subject: RE: BS: saying goodbye to old Birkenstocks From: catspaw49 Date: 24 Sep 00 - 09:40 AM Oh Bonnie dear, there's another winner!!! "Do IT." The implication here is that the IT you refer to is the only IT there is and by being the solitary, top-gun, and eliminating all other ITS, has secured the place of honor in our vocabulary. But to do that would actually require eliminating the word IT from all other meanings. Try writing a few paragraphs that way....no IT to be found. Tough, isn't it? Why not just say "fuck?" Has anyone fucked in their Birkenstock's? Ahhh......much better. Spaw |