Weekend Open Thread

| April 24, 2020

Wisteria tree with pink and purple flowers. (Wallpapers13)

Today is Arbor Day. One emphasis for this day is tree planting. Don’t want to participate? We always have squirrels and other animals that collect nuts. They do not always remember where they bury these nuts. Or, these nut collectors end up becoming casualties. Result? Some of these nuts sprout. Enjoy your weekend.

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5th/77th FA

1st

AW1Ed

Just can’t help yourself.
*grin*

Wilted Willy

He gets a pass because the rest of us quit trying anymore!

ChipNASA

6.
That’s six in a row.
Booyah.
I’m not even trying to chase that record.
Nice.
Revel in it!!!

Mick

2nd?

Roh-Dog

3rd? I’ll take it! Have a great weekend y’all!

Commissioner Wretched

My man 5th/77th FA is going now for a Double Ace! I stand in awe! Lots of awe! And in honor of his try to become a Double Ace … I’ll leave this week’s trivia stuff right here. Enjoy, my friends! DID YOU KNOW…? Did any other players wear #3 for the New York Yankees after Babe Ruth retired? By Commissioner Wretched One recent Monday morning, I opened my work e-mail to find the usual assortment of bouquets and brickbats from all you wonderful people who read my silly words each week. And whether you’re taking me to task for something or saying how much you like the column, I appreciate each and every one of you and I love and thank you all. In the “spam” folder, though, was one that made me giggle. It was from some overseas entity hiding behind a fancy title, but was most probably some kid in a t-shirt and shorts sitting in an Internet cafe in some third-world country trying to gin up a way to separate me from my money. What made me giggle wasn’t the attempt, though; those things are, at best, pathetic. No, it was the way he (or she) addressed me. “Dear Honored and Esteemed Sir, I have been studying your honorable and commendable profile and decided to reach out to you…” Honorable and commendable? In the words of that great sage, Bugs Bunny, “He don’t know me very well, do he?” Anyway, let’s get on to the honorable and commendable trivia I’ve lined up for you honored and esteemed ladies and gentlemen this week! Did you know … … orcas can kill moose? The killer whales are known to prey on moose they find swimming between islands in northern Canada. (I can just see old Bullwinkle now: “Hey, Rocky! Watch me pull myself out of an orca! Oops.”) … faking confidence can actually help you? Studies have shown that faking confidence can positively change your brain chemistry and your life. (Someone should have told me that 50 years ago.) … the oldest operating Chinese restaurant in the United… Read more »

Mason

So if a turkey stuffed with a duck stuffed with a chicken is a turducken, what do you call the camel nesting doll meal? Calambicfeggs?

ArmyATC

“…its original name was Hang Far Low.”

Named after the two old mama-sans who originally opened the restaurant.

SFC D

Any relation to “One Ball Low”?

HMCS(FMF) ret

How about One Hung Low?

Long Duc Dong (GONG)?

Mason

Only Army Mom

Thank you. I don’t care how many times I see that, I laugh til I cry. The first time I saw this was in an “urgent” message an evil friend sent knowing I was in an important and serious meeting. After the third notice of an incoming, I apologized to the room and played it, thinking I must know someone in the crash.

So, every time I see this, I laugh at it and the memory of being epically, brutally plunked. I’ve still not come up with a suitable payback. Thank you again.

NHSparky

Similar Yankees story: every single-digit number (except zero) is retired by the Yankees, and one number is retired twice.

That number? 8. And if you think Yogi Berra was one of them, you’d be right, but he wasn’t the first.

That honor belongs to Bill Dickey, who wore pinstripes from 1928-1946. Yogi debuted at the end of the 1946 season. The number was retired honoring both players in 1972.

Commissioner Wretched

Yankee retired single-digit numbers:
1 – Billy Martin
2 – Derek Jeter
3 – Babe Ruth
4 – Lou Gehrig
5 – Joe DiMaggio
6 – Joe Torre
7 – Mickey Mantle
8 – Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra
9 – Roger Maris

The Yanks hold the all-time record for retired numbers, with 21 of their jersey numbers retired – and their retirement of 42 wasn’t for Jackie Robinson, like the rest of the majors. It was for Mariano Rivera.

26Limabeans

Damn. I was caught staring at the pretty flowers.
Those Lupines are upside down.

Skyjumper

Arbor Day??

Is that the place where the ships come in today?
(Nautically challenged grunt) (grin)

Have a safe weekend all you Dickweeds & Weedettes.

26Limabeans

Arbor Day is when the sawmills grease the
arbors that the blades spin on thus making a
clean cut of the forest.
My hat goes off to all the wood butchers I
have known and worked with to make life better
for all. Even the tree huggers.

11B-Mailclerk

If this thread is news about Arbor Day, this is

(Puts on sunglasses)

An Arbor Press…

Mason

Skyjumper

…..you said that with great ardor on this Arbor Day, 26Limabeans. 😉

5th/77th FA

BAM BAM BAM FIRE MISSION FIRE MISSION FIRE MISSION! TIME ON TARGET…IDENTIFIED…FIRE FOR EFFECT!!!!! ON THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The King of Battle is for surely now the KING OF FIRST! UNPRECEDENTED 6 pack! Neither the distraction of the Fridays Menu or the upcoming Gunsmoke Episode could distract us from the mission at hand. Another FIRST on the Coveted EARNED NEVER GIVEN TAH Friday Weekend Open Thread FIRST.

Extry Grog Tations, chili with grilled sausage dawgs, cold beverages and pulled pork BBQ Sammiches all around!

From the what it’s worth department, next weeks’ contest will be wide open, I’m scheduled to be away next Friday. Hugs and kisses to all of the Lionesses of TAH.

26Limabeans

You might want to tone down the hubris 🙂

Roh-Dog

Um, it’s ‘hubrisiousnesstudenalfyning’

5th/77th FA

Damn…:lol: 😆 😆 Ex-PH2 and AnotherPat was right, we cannot be left unsupervised. Guess that comes from not being a professional, huh?

My most humble Thanks for the accolades for this week’s winning. Tho it wasn’t close, the struggle was real. I will be backing off for a bit, tho it’s lonely at the top, the view is killer.

Fine job on the Trivia Column CW…you are the Man. One of the spots I’ve been by several times and was not able to visit was the Jefferson “Arch.” Been told it is a very nice facility but the criminal element has nearly taken the outer perimeter over. And you can’t conceal carry either. My next trip out west I’m not going that way, I plan on missing every major metro area from here to the Black Hills. Coming and going.

In Honor of Arbor Day, I’ll leave this linky for Nebraska City NE. That’s where Sterling Morton of Morton Salt Fame started the whole Arbor Day thing. It’s a neat place to visit, lots to see and do in a small place. Get a chance stop by for a few days. Spent a week in the area back in 2015.

http://gonebraskacity.com/

Hubristic Hubert

‘Merca!

SFC D

It wasn’t hubris. He didn’t say ‘Murica.

Roh-Dog

The collective moral turpitudistic hubrisiousnesstudenalfyning has me in a quandary, acquiescencitify to the haranguing macaws by reciting a tritely saying, even if its enunciationing is innate, a certifimication of Freedomnousness. Or, remainically above that fraycacy because I’m wickad smaht!
I choose Freedomnousnesstainty!
‘MURICA!!!!

SteelyI

I’m so happy to see you using your new words in a sentence.

Mason

If his head gets any bigger it will be classified as an explosive hazard. Gonna have to put one of these on his car;
comment image

Fjardeson

Top 10?

The Other Whitey

Spent all week working my normal shift plus overtime, trying to stock up on cash with the imminent birth of my fourth child. For that reason, no Red Dawn progress this time around. However, my Mom left the dio scene I made for her of my uncle and his war dog in Vietnam on a low shelf, accidentally resulting in my 3-year-old getting a hold of it. So I repaired and repainted it over the weekend, making a decent improvement, especially to the faces.

https://www.deviantart.com/yt45

Sparks

TOW…YOU are the Man!

AW1Ed

Quite the artist, TOW. Thanks.

5th/77th FA

Fine job TOW! Not that I expected any different. Thanks for sharing. And Thanks for what you do defending life and property. Got a nephew in Dakota that, in addition to his other FIRST Responder duties, does the wildfire suppression work. He has deployed into your AO on some of the bad ones y’all had. I’m willing to bet that Mom didn’t chastise the little one for the damage. And I understand and appreciate the fact that you have a hot wife, but Man please, give that poor girl a break. *leer*

The Other Whitey

It was her idea!

As for my daughter, you can’t very well fault 3-year-old for doing what 3-year-olds do. I still need to finish her Hun.

26Limabeans

Wow, that dog handler scene is awesome.
Not something you would expect to see but
for your uncle’s service.
Had the opportunity to work with a USAF handler
in Da Nang once. Dog’s name was Brutus and he
was true to the name.
Thanks Whitey.

The Other Whitey

Uncle Greg was the kind of guy who’s rough around the edges with a giant heart of pure gold inside. He felt very deeply for the kids he saw in Vietnam, and he always tried to do what he could to make things a little brighter for any he encountered. Having a dog who was both well-trained and friendly helped.

He originally shipped out as an infantryman, volunteered for dogs, was reattached to his infantry platoon once he had his dog, and had a tour that was anything but boring, if ya know what I mean. We know that he was in more than a few firefights, and knowing his abilities with a rifle, it’s a more than a safe bet that he shot some bad guys. But he never talked to us about that aspect of his service, and we knew better than to ask him. The closest I ever heard him get to that subject was when he once told me, “The M14 is a good rifle, and .308 works.”

With all that in mind, a combat scene about him just didn’t feel right. It wasn’t what he liked to remember about his service, and it wouldn’t be what he would want to be remembered for. That’s why I chose to do this scene.

Skyjumper

You truly bring your dioramas to life, not only with your great attention to detail, but also the personal
feelings & stories attached to them, TOW.

Thank you for continuing to show us them.

On a side note, on the website you have your pics on, I noticed that it said you have been a “Deviant for 6 years”.

Got you beat my man.
Been a deviant myownself for
71 years & counting! 😉

Sparks

Close but, no.

Jeff LPH 3, 63-66

Question
how can a dog recognize a dogwood tree??
Answer
By it’s Bark.

LC

Word is CNO Gilday is recommending CAPT Crozier be reinstated to the TR. No article yet that I know of. Happy Friday!

AW1Ed

Been hearing rumblings of this. You can be sure it will post here as soon as I see it, unless thebesig beats me to it.
As he usually does.
*grin*

Navy recommends reinstating ousted USS Theodore Roosevelt captain
By Peter Aitkens

Well-placed sources told Fox News that Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday met with Defense Secretary Mark Esper Friday to present the findings of an investigation into Crozier’s relief as well as the Navy’s recommendations. Acting Navy Secretary James McPherson reportedly agreed with the recommendation that Crozier be reinstated.

The recommendation was first reported by The New York Times.

Planned briefings with lawmakers were canceled Friday after Esper asked for more time to review the recommendations.

Fox News Link

I’ll post the results of Esper’s review, when and if.

5th/77th FA

How many times have I preached this? Where do I sign up? I have yet to look at my 401K to see what it lost. And since it has already been rolled over to the disbursement side of the house, there is no way I can make that back up by contributions.

I still say that this was a deliberate attack on the world by the Communist Chinese Government. Prove me wrong.

A Proud Infidel®™

Somebody conjure the goblin to show up with his
“Empirical Evidence” that it was ALL a misunderstanding and China is just an innocent wonderful place with lollipops lining the streets,…

Hack Stone

Has anyone asked Diane Feinstein what her driver thinks of this?

Green Thumb

Thought he got busted for reckless driving for running over the truth on the way to the stock exchange.

Mason

I really, really can’t wait until we get that socialized medicine here. Look at the quantity of care! She had six local hospitals! Was tested twice!

I bet because of Communist-mandated literacy education that she could read about how great her health care is while in those six waiting rooms. That’s a good thing.

11B-Mailclerk

The Soviet Union talked real big, then it stopped for some reason.

The adherents of the CPSU here are still sniveling.

When the wheels come off the CCP, things will become … messy.

Then, better.

Mason

Not just Clyburn, it’s all the Democratic power players.

Joe Biden’s “excited” about COVID giving them the opportunity for “institutional changes”.

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/04/22/joe-biden-excited-coronavirus-an-opportunity-for-institutional-changes/

Gavin Newsom envisions a new “progressive era.”

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/04/02/gavin-newsom-coronavirus-is-opportunity-for-reimagining-a-more-progressive-era/

Nothing like standing around while people are dying and talking about how their suffering and death will give you an opportunity to push political changes through that you couldn’t when people weren’t terrified of a virus.

Green Thumb
Mason

This is one problem that the United States military stands ready, willing, and able to remedy. Just don’t blow reveille too early tomorrow.

Green Thumb

Late First Call!

David

On a related note, I see where an amazing amount of Saudi crude is on the water to us, and is described as a potential death knell for American shale. My question: this sure seems like a hostile act… WHY DO WE ALLOW IT TO OFFLOAD? We talk about the problems with kissing China butt… yet we have puckered up to the home of Wahabbi for 20 years since 9/11. Why?

NHSparky

Shale and tar sands have a far higher extraction cost than Saudi crude…about $45-50/bbl vs. $18 for Saudis.

Up until January, oil futures were in the $60 range. Now at $10-12 for the June contract, EVERYONE is losing money. Problem is, you can’t just flick a switch and start pumping again.

Gonna be a real fun summer, that’s for sure.

Hack Stone

Hack Stone claims Top 50 Of The Weekend Open Thread!

Hack has an ethical question that only the lovable Deplorables could answer. Hack is whipping up some jambalaya for the residents of Stately Stone Manor, but one guest is allergic to shrimp. So, if jambalaya doesn’t contain shrimp, is it still jambalaya?

5th/77th FA

In a word… NO!!!! See the thread on Friday Menu re chili w/wo beans.

You’re just going to have to nuke that guest from space…It’s the only way.

Green Thumb

Used to be a joint in DC back in the day in Old Town called “Hard Times”. They had a bean-less chili (among many others).

Was not bad…

SFC D

There are no beans in real Chili. I believe it’s mentioned in the constitution and at least one of the commandments.

Fjardeson

True in Texas.

Green Thumb

Sure.

I mean is it still All-Points Logistics even though it does not have the False Commander “Phony” Phil Monkress?

I mean, it would still be a shit company but the name would still be the same.

But on a serious note, you can have hamburger but yet it can be a vegetarian patty.

A Proud Infidel®™

Speaking of that, WHY IS IT cool for someone to feed a veggie-burger to an unkowing meat eater, but if you feed a real burger to a vegan, you’re suddenly a monster!!!

Roh-Dog

Meat eaters are generally fully formed people that use logic and reason.
Vegans are mentally ill.
(Unless they’re doing it “for health reasons, then they’re a nutbag with a doctor’s note or an unhealthy WebMD habit. See above)

Green Thumb

Maybe.

Phildo is a meat eater.

Just of a different sort.

HMCS(FMF) ret

He’s into the Cockmeat Sammiches…

NHSparky

That’s not true!

He doesn’t even like bread!

Roh-Dog

And anyone that admonishes you for poking the soy patty-enthusiast is in a codependent/Munchausen syndrome by proxy relationship with the crybaby.
Do not feed into that kind of behavior.

NHSparky

Ya tell Bon Scott jokes, everyone laughs.

Ya go to the Betty Ford Clinic looking for commemorative shot glasses, everyone loses their shit.

Roh-Dog

Or offer a pre-meal Benadryl and a dessert epi-pen.
Be a good host.
(But secretly: nuke’um!)

AW1Ed

Most of these recipes came from peasant foods, who used whatever was on hand.

I would not be Shrimp Jambalaya, obviously. Swap the shrimp for chicken, and remember The First Rule of Cooking:

“This is exactly what I intended to make.”

SFC D

My mom had a different first rule about cooking:

“You eat what’s cooked, when it’s cooked, or you cook your own. Clean up the kitchen when you’re done.”

Mason

My mom had a similar rule. It’s how I became such a good cook! Thanks Mom! Not sure if she was planning on me cooking or if it backfired, but I guess the end result worked in her favor.

26Limabeans
SFC D

Nope. If it doesn’t contain shrimp, it’s just rice with additives.

Graybeard

Late to the party, again.

I was out trying to repair a used Old Town Tripper that had, at one time, been in the rental stock of our local university – and showed the consequences. I’ve made new thwarts from cypress (first coat was linseed oil, the next 5 or 6 marine polyurethane). Chipped or sanded off the clueless-college-worker repairs and wound up with more than I expected to have to patch. But… the hull is done, and will try the inside hopefully tomorrow.

All is well at the GB Compound, save that I have a prostate MRI coming up Tuesday. The PSA numbers have gone up 3 points over 12 months, so the urologist wants a look-see.
I didn’t even know they did prostate MRIs. But you have to prep like for a colonoscopy. Monday evening is going to be No Fun.

Airborne Son went in to a neurologist, who informed him all his back damage is skeletal-muscular, and no neurosurgery it needed. Thankful for that. He’s still fighting VA and trying to get medically retired before he is ineligible to re-up, but folks are dragging feet. The Wuhan Virus Panic is not helping any.

Hope all you have a great weekend. Stay healthy.

Roh-Dog

GB, sounds like a project and a half! Remember, those things don’t have to be pretty to be buoyant. Good luck wit’er!
May He watch over and guide you and your family.

Graybeard

Thanks, Roh!

Pretty is not gonna be an issue (unless I slap some paint on her). (Like my beloved mother-in-law used to say, “Any old barn looks better with a coat of paint!”)

AW1Ed

Had to look “Old Town Tripper” up. Normally a name like that would give me pause, but I trust Graybeard’s judgement. Glad I did.

old town tripper canoe

Roh-Dog

As a yute I’d take the front all the way in the bow and hum Ride of the Valkyries on the way to the fishing spot.
Now I understand why adults were always grumpy in the morning.
Mr Shaw was right.

Commissar

https://youtu.be/33QdTOyXz3w

He now claims he was being “sarcastic”.

AW1Ed

He was trolling the press, and it backfired. I admit it’s not one of his finer moments, but he’s hardly the first official to insert foot into mouth.

And certainly won’t be the last.

A Proud Infidel®™

Wleventyeth and Honorary First once again!

((((OVER))))

rgr769

Well, I just read the Free Beacon article about the man who died from drinking acquarium cleaning powder that just happens to contain some cholorquine phosphate, but is clearly marked “not for human consumption” and not to be used in tanks for fish intended for human consumption. It turns out Wanda’s dead husband was a very smart engineer who had been attacked by Wanda in a domestic violence situation within two years of their marriage about 2001. Wanda also admits to the Free Beacon reporter that she never told her husband what she put in his drink, the fish tank compound. Moreover, Wanda is an experienced double litigation lotto player with two prior lawsuits against her employers where she claimed gender discrimination. By the way, she claimed in her last lawsuit that she contracted the dreaded PTS of D, as reported by her “mind reader” expert witness.

I am sensing a black widow for some reason. Too bad LEO’s aren’t looking into this. Oh, and several months before he died, her husband had chelation therapy for heavy metals. But remember it was Trump’s doctor dispensed medication suggestion that killed him. Just ask any of our resident Progs.

Roh-Dog

Wait until some genius uses their SteriPen UV water purifier and a scalpel to insert under the skin.
Collusion with the Russians, withholding money from Ukraine and now practicing licensing without a medicine!
Orange man is worstest!
https://www.amazon.com/SteriPen-Adventurer-Opti-Water-Purifier/dp/B003A1MURC

26Limabeans

Anybody here live in South Dakota?
You have a very wise Governor.

https://youtu.be/1Q5bXWC-mHs?t=2

She does have a lead foot though.
From Wiki:

“From 1989 to 2010, Noem received 27 traffic citations, including 20 for speeding[91] and other violations”

penguinman000

If anyone wants some amusing reading this weekend, check out https://jeremydewittecase.com/

It’s got everything. Felon, stolen valor, police impersonator, muslim, sex offender, etc…

Tons of youtube vids in the form of body cam footage from local law enforcement. They’ve apparently had enough of his shenanigans.

Be warned, do not drink coffee/beer while reading or watching anything about this Jeremy Dewitte character. You’ll end up spewing it through you nose laughing at this dumbass.

Sapper3307

Ranger ,LTC ,Special forces and a combat jump into Fallujah.
He is the gift that keeps giving.

Sapper3307

Run his name on YouTube, its worth it.

A Proud Infidel®™

I did that the first time that FOOL was featured, talk about a 24K IDIOT!!!

penguinman000

Correction….That body cam footage belongs to Jeremy Dewipe.

Apparently, early on during this round of bad luck (he got arrested by real cops), they noticed he had a body cam.

Someone decided to swear out a warrant for his home/place of “business” looking for footage. They found years worth of this guys own body cam documenting his numerous criminal acts. Including some they were unaware of.

I can’t stop reading, watching videos and laughing…I need an intervention. Someone help!

OWB

Sounds like you may not be aware that this clown was showcased here already. Pretty extensive expose: https://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=96314

One of the strangest cases ever.

penguinman000

Dear God, don’t enable my addiction! This guy is the gift that keeps on giving.

I had no idea he had been showcased and I’ve followed this page for a few years now.

marinedad61

This guy (from DENMARK) could fill the current PHONY gap.
TINO STRUCKMANN (<– Google that name!)
International idiot.
Hollywood this and that.
California Guard (part time, with California name strip)
Special Forces trainer???

Folks in Denmark did the FOIA, and phony Tino was
busted December 2018 by a Denmark Facebook Group,
The Danish Walter Mitty Hunters Club HQ.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/113759218956810

.. but he doesn't stop.
So,
Fresh fish for a USA website to give Tino some needed attention.

marinedad61

This, on his IMDB page.
“After a dare in 2000 he competed in the
Iron Man Bodybuilding championship in Los Angeles
only 8 month after passing the
Special Forces admission test.”

Yep, he’s a “WALT”
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1559935/bio

Combat Historian

There’s valor thieves and Walts even in the Land of delicious shortbread cookies, chocolates, and Hans Christian Andersen. Who would’ve thunk…

marinedad61

Combat Historian,
Also, down under (Australia),
and our (past and present) allies in Asia,
including Thailand, Philippines, and South Korea.
Ugh.

Combat Historian

Yes, TAH has featured posers from UK, CAN, AUS, and NZ a number of times previously, but never a Dane (until now)…

penguinman000

Does that make him…..a “great” dane?

AW1Ed

OK marinedad61, you’ve triggered my acronym OCD. WTF is a “WALT”? Google comes up dry.

HMCS(FMF) ret

I think it’s for “Walter Mitty”… what the Brits and others call the SV assclowns

marinedad61

HMCS,
Gotta give it to the Danish..
Calling their Facebook group (in English)
“The Danish Walter Mitty Hunters Club HQ”
is really clever.
lol

OWB

Sometimes a word is just a word. Not all combinations of letters are acronyms, eh?

(There might be a ditty in there somewhere. Set to the Mr. Ed theme song.)

A Proud Infidel®™

ONE FINE DAY on Fort Benning a First Sergeant and a Second Lieutenant got into a car wreck with each other. After getting out of his car, the First Sergeant, seeing that the Lieutenant was upset and nervous, pulled a flask from his pocket and said “Here Sir, this might just help.” after which the 2LT grabbed the flask and helped himself. After taking a gulp, the LT noticed the First Sergeant putting the flask away and asked, “First Sergeant, aren’t you going to have a drink?” to which the First Sergeant replied, “Of course Sir, right after the MP’s Leave”.

26Limabeans

Gotta have something to wash down the tide pods.
I would draw the line and fabric softener though.

OWB

That would explain why teens were popping Tide pods a few years ago. Trump was NOT going to say that they should in 2020, so it MUST be his fault. Yeah, that’s it. Prophylactic use of laundry detergent. In anticipation of a future dempanic.

/snark?

A Proud Infidel®™

I DARE YOU to try and get THIS out o your head – turn the Chicago Bulls logo upside down and then try to tell me that it doesn’t look like a robot violating a crab! XD

A Proud Infidel®™️

😆😆😆😆🤣😈

OWB

Yes, I know it’s Monday. Forgot about this little bit of silliness over the weekend, and will forget again by the next WOT. So here goes.

Had to laugh. Got a catalog from a legitimate source. They were showcasing a kit from which to make a pair of shoes. Had to check it out. They were canvas shoes that you somehow hand sewed together with the rubber/vinyl soles. A mere $59 for the kit.

Thought it was pretty hilarious. I don’t generally pay that much for a pair of shoes that is already put together. Now leather boots? Yeah, they cost more.

So, yesterday, another ad hit my inbox for yet another kit for shoes. What’s going on? Are we about to run out of store bought shoes?