My friends, it is time to lighten up by a metric fuck-ton

First topic message reminder :

Yes, there are things to take seriously in this tired old world of ours. But all our earnestness is not going to make them better.

Let us be happy warriors. Let us forever side ourselves with the jokers and the mirth-makers, forever against the doomsayers, the fuck-dick-shits, and the fucking asshole clown-dick pricks.

Let us rally our smileys and our silly songs and our goofy photos against the forces that would kill, maim, defenestrate and generally mess up our buzzes.

Let us forever rally and endeavor toward that eternal horizon, the perfect vibe.

And let us forever decline the assholes the chance to get us down.

 [::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol:: ::roglol::

Ben_Reilly wrote:Yes, there are things to take seriously in this tired old world of ours. But all our earnestness is not going to make them better.

Let us be happy warriors. Let us forever side ourselves with the jokers and the mirth-makers, forever against the doomsayers, the fuck-dick-shits, and the fucking asshole clown-dick pricks.

Let us rally our smileys and our silly songs and our goofy photos against the forces that would kill, maim, defenestrate and generally mess up our buzzes.

Let us forever rally and endeavor toward that eternal horizon, the perfect vibe.

And let us forever decline the assholes the chance to get us down.

::roglol:: 

Do you have Northern Soul n the US?

Ben_Reilly wrote:The Lord of the Rings might have been one decent book, it could have left out the Elvish dictionary at the end of Book 3 as well.

As it is, it takes far too long for a story that ends with

Spoiler:

Cop-out!

I disagree.

Gollum was a multi faceted 'bad guy',he was a decent person once corrupted by the power of the ring.It is symbolic of how power corrupts. It is a wonderful just ending not a cop out. Gollum gave his life just to have power.

Many times the reader feels sorry for Gollum because he genuinely likes Frodo and wants to be useful but the  ring (power) has destroyed him.

So..there  

Raggamuffin wrote:

Ben_Reilly wrote:Yes, there are things to take seriously in this tired old world of ours. But all our earnestness is not going to make them better.

Let us be happy warriors. Let us forever side ourselves with the jokers and the mirth-makers, forever against the doomsayers, the fuck-dick-shits, and the fucking asshole clown-dick pricks.
Let us rally our smileys and our silly songs and our goofy photos against the forces that would kill, maim, defenestrate and generally mess up our buzzes.

Let us forever rally and endeavor toward that eternal horizon, the perfect vibe.

And let us forever decline the assholes the chance to get us down.

::roglol:: 

Do you have Northern Soul n the US?

not really rags.....it was more a British thing.....I think its a combo between Motown and Delta Blues....

had a freiend who was well into NS.....she had all these dance steps - very impressive

Cass wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

Do you have Northern Soul n the US?

not really rags.....it was more a British thing.....I think its a combo between Motown and Delta Blues....

had a freiend who was well into NS.....she had all these dance steps - very impressive

Strange really as most of the music is American. I love it - it's one of the few things I'm actually enthusiastic about.   

Raggamuffin wrote:

Cass wrote:

not really rags.....it was more a British thing.....I think its a combo between Motown and Delta Blues....

had a freiend who was well into NS.....she had all these dance steps - very impressive

Strange really as most of the music is American. I love it - it's one of the few things I'm actually enthusiastic about.   

don't doubt you.....just I don't think its referred to as NS over here but I could be wrong as its not my genre really but heck I'll boogie on down to anything

except rap.....and house......and acid.....and deep deep my dig got run over and my woman left me country....and western

Cass wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

Cass wrote:

not really rags.....it was more a British thing.....I think its a combo between Motown and Delta Blues....

had a freiend who was well into NS.....she had all these dance steps - very impressive

Strange really as most of the music is American. I love it - it's one of the few things I'm actually enthusiastic about.   

don't doubt you.....just I don't think its referred to as NS over here but I could be wrong as its not my genre really but heck I'll boogie on down to anything

except rap.....and house......and acid.....and deep deep my dig got run over and my woman left me country....and western

Hell, gal, I can learn you to love you some see and doubleya ...



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_mreSy00JI

Just go with it. Your palm tells me, you really do like country! ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay_Pigeons )

I just like well-made music, regardless of genre -- you can't tell me this isn't beautiful and true:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuyzrqEA2DQ

And that this isn't one of the most freaking FUN songs ever :



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2QbDlvgHw8

^Ben

hmmmmm....maybe if you buy me a hat and take me dancing (doing the Texas 2 step) I MIGHT be willing to learn more about cee ......and western too

I have my own boots

Cass wrote:^Ben

hmmmmm....maybe if you buy me a hat and take me dancing (doing the Texas 2 step) I MIGHT be willing to learn more about cee ......and western too

I have my own boots

As long as they're not those boots ... you know what I'm talking about   

It would be funny, as I'm one of world's absolute worst dancers!

Ben_Reilly wrote:

Cass wrote:^Ben

hmmmmm....maybe if you buy me a hat and take me dancing (doing the Texas 2 step) I MIGHT be willing to learn more about cee ......and western too

I have my own boots

As long as they're not those boots ... you know what I'm talking about   

It would be funny, as I'm one of world's absolute worst dancers!

they are black cherry red Lucchese(s) with a small point toe.....I should get them reshod if we're going to a fancy place.


its ok I have enough rhythm for both of us.

Luccheses are great boots. Stop into Stewart Boots in Tucson and have a pair custom made. Perfect.

http://www.tucsoninstyle.com/style/stewart-boots/

Original Quill wrote:Luccheses are great boots. Stop into Stewart Boots in Tucson and have a pair custom made. Perfect.

http://www.tucsoninstyle.com/style/stewart-boots/

I got mine second hand.....very comfy......I would like a hand made pair (brown.....maybe black....i dunno) but that will wait till the kids leave college.....in 5 years......hopefully

thanks for the tip....I will stop by and drool.

Lov these...

Dance

Dis Birds got Daft Punk on his Ipod

Just avoid this look, I see it enough around TCU:

::smthg:: REAL live genuine horseriders would never be seen dead in "Western" style cowboy boots !!!

THIS is the bee's knees for the best style of 'riding boots' :

::=|Q:: 

AND here are the cheaper choice in oiled and 'proofed leather, for actual work back on the farm :

Those are flamenco boots Bee...very popular in the 1970's. Originally for dancing...very popular at the Rooftop Gardens of the Hotel Maria Christina, in Seville, famous flamenco night spot.  I used to buy them handmade in a shop in Plaza Mayor, Madrid...very nice quality.

Bally's used to make them as well and you could buy them at their store in Knightsbridge.  I wore them as dress shoes well into the decade.  Most comfortable shoes I ever had.

But you can tell from the heels that they are not riding boots.  They don't have cuban heels.  I have a Mexican pair right now, in brown, that has cuban heels.  But the ones you show have what they call "roper" heels.

Here is a pair with cuban heels:

 

CUBAN heels (block heels about ~5+ cms high..) are okay for people who intend to stay on their horses while riding...

SOON as you have to get off that horse (or motorbike..) to do any actual work, such high heels become a danger to your foot's continued health ~ twisted and sprained ankles, shortened and stiffened Achilles tendons, extra pain and strain, increased risks of bunyons and "hammer toes", blisters and calluses..

THAT'S why the boots that you see the great majority of working farmers, stockmen and cowhands mostly wearing these days will only have heels around 1.5 - 2 cms high (i.e. less than an inch..) ~ and work boots themselves only have a maximum height at the back of the boot of around 15 cms (under 6") for the same reasons. Especially with the risks of one's Achilles tendon damage sharply increasing with boots over 8" total height (measured from the ground to the top cuff/hem..), or being too stiff.

Lone Wolf wrote: 

CUBAN heels (block heels about ~5+ cms high..) are okay for people who intend to stay on their horses while riding...

SOON as you have to get off that horse (or motorbike..) to do any actual work, such high heels become a danger to your foot's continued health ~ twisted and sprained ankles, shortened and stiffened Achilles tendons, extra pain and strain, increased risks of bunyons and "hammer toes", blisters and calluses..

THAT'S why the boots that you see the great majority of working farmers, stockmen and cowhands mostly wearing these days will only have heels around 1.5 - 2 cms high (i.e. less than an inch..) ~ and work boots themselves only have a maximum height at the back of the boot of around 15 cms (under 6") for the same reasons. Especially with the risks of one's Achilles tendon damage sharply increasing with boots over 8" total height (measured from the ground to the top cuff/hem..), or being too stiff.

You are absolutely right.

In fact, the reason why the lower heels are called "ropers" is because when roping steers you have to dismount and tie the legs of the calf before branding.  Just that little bit out of the saddle makes the Cuban heels unwieldy.

However, flamenco dancers found they made a handsome 'clop-clop' while dancing.  It provided a syncopated rhythm to the finger-snaps perfected by the women dancers (later castañets), and the guitarist's raps on the top of the instrument.



They removed the boot-tops and secured them with the elastic, so as to provide more dancing flexibility.

Who knew you boys chatted so much about shoes??!!

feelthelove wrote:Who knew you boys chatted so much about shoes??!!

Ha-ha.  Yep.  I've always loved flamenco boots.  As I said, the most comfortable shoes ever.

I also used to hang out at the Roof-top Gardens of the Hotel Maria Christina when I lived in Sevilla (probably a different name today).

What can I say? I loved the guitar, and that was my flamenco stage. And Sevilla is the home of flamenco.



After the clubs closed down around Seville, the park would open up and there would be amateurs (dancers and guitar) all night long, with an audience at tables, and waiters bring wine and whatever. Great experience.

Original Quill wrote:

feelthelove wrote:Who knew you boys chatted so much about shoes??!!

Ha-ha.  Yep.  I've always loved flamenco boots.  As I said, the most comfortable shoes ever.

Love this Quill xxx

@lolz a Quill...
their called blundstones
http://www.blundstone.com/au/classic-boots/classics-lifestyle-boots

they are not for Dancing

They are the Workman/Farmer Boot traditionally covered with dry cement or Cow shit... although in recent years they have been co-opted by Hipsters who keep theirs nice and clean
 :askissas: 

Nah...not those nasty old things.  Look at the quality of these boots below...not some greasy ole' wannabes with crepe soles.  And take a look at the ones that Bee put up.  Good finish...all shined up, save they have roper heels.

 

See for yourself.

http://www.flamencoshop.com/footwear.htm

As I said, the popularity of flamenco boots took off in the 70s.  What you've got there in your link are some knock-off, stylized workboots.  Just google 'flameco boots' and you'll find 'em. Here:

http://www.lands-faraway.com/shoes.htm

http://esflamenco.com/en/shoes-1/boots-for-men

http://www.flamenco-world.com/tienda/shop.php?op_shop=show&id_prod=4127&id_lang=2

Original Quill wrote:Nah...not those nasty old things.  Look at the quality of these boots below...not some greasy ole' wannabes with crepe soles.  And take a look at the ones that Bee put up.  Good finish...all shined up, save they have roper heels.

 

See for yourself.

http://www.flamencoshop.com/footwear.htm

As I said, the popularity of flamenco boots took off in the 70s.  What you've got there in your link are some knock-off, stylized workboots.  Just google 'flameco boots' and you'll find 'em.  Here:

http://www.lands-faraway.com/shoes.htm

http://esflamenco.com/en/shoes-1/boots-for-men

http://www.flamenco-world.com/tienda/shop.php?op_shop=show&id_prod=4127&id_lang=2

Blundstones are The Original Aussie boot making company that have been around since the 1840's(making them one of the older companies in Australia) they not a knock off they are the Aussie National Traditional WORK Boot


the ones Bee put up are "Blundstones", actually they are the competitor brand Baxters still been around since 1850's. Like "Frisbee" the brand name "Blundstone" has become the generic name for the style of work boot

they aint for Dancing    although looking at the Baxter site they do some....

they even have Roper Boots
BUT they are under the Western boots (i.e US Boots) section
http://baxterfootwear.com.au/product-category/western-boots/


the Aussie style ones are called Yard boots

http://baxterfootwear.com.au/product-category/work-boots/
in the Work boot section.. (Tuffy and Patrol are basically the same)

Yes, Blundstones have been around for over a century.  But they did not discover the elasticized boot until the flamenco boot became popular.  Blundstone has traditionally made a lace up boot.  Here is their marketing statement:

Blundstone wrote:Whilst Blundstone is known for its iconic elastic sided boots worldwide, our extensive range includes gumboots, lace-up safety footwear for men and women, heavy industrial footwear, school shoes and men’s casual footwear.

Flamenco boots have been around as long as flamenco dancing.  Flamenco is an art form involving music, percussion and dancing.  It has been around since the Spanish lute was invented.  The boots are of high quality, and made by small, speciality shoemakers in Spain.  That is until the world picked up the style and made them popular as a traditional walking shoe, dress and casual.  Bee's post shows what flamenco boots became when they became a walking shoe.

While Blundstone is Australian and Kiwi, most of its boots are made cheaply in Asia.  The owners only acquired the company in 1932, and bought out New Zealand's John Bull brand only in the year 2000.  They came out with the elasticized sides when flamenco boots became popular, as a marketing ploy.  When you think about it, elasticized sides are not very practical as a work boot; it's a cheap way to sell a popular style in the lower-end market.

Original Quill wrote:Yes, Blundstones have been around for over a century.  But they did not discover the elasticized boot until the flamenco boot became popular.  It has traditionally made a lace up boot.  Here is their marketing statement:

Blundstone wrote:Whilst Blundstone is known for its iconic elastic sided boots worldwide, our extensive range includes gumboots, lace-up safety footwear for men and women, heavy industrial footwear, school shoes and men’s casual footwear.

Flamenco boots have been around as long as flamenco dancing.  Flamenco is an art form involving music, percussion and dancing.  It has been around since the Spanish lute was invented.  The boots are of high quality, and made by small, speciality shoemakers in Spain.  That is until the world picked up the style and made them popular as a traditional walking shoe, dress and casual.  Bee's post shows what flamenco boots became when they became a walking shoe.

While Blundstone is Australian and Kiwi, most of its boots are made cheaply in Asia.  The owners only acquired the company in 1932, and bought out New Zealand's John Bull brand only in the year 2000.  They came out with the elasticized sides when flamenco boots became popular, as a marketing ploy.  When you think about it, elasticized sides are not very practical as a work boot; it's a cheap way to market a popular style in the lower-end market.

yes but they are different
the Flamenco ones have fancy heels and soles, the Blundstones You can Kick off when they are covered in Wet cement or Shit and put on your Thongs(flip flops) they are similar but Different. Our ones are not for dancing. If an Aussie wanted to Buy ones for Dancing we woudl by a Flamenco Boot or "Dancer Boots"  But they are From the Other places(mainly the USA!).
DANCER

See Similar but Different... And it is in the Quality, One is Made to Dance in the other is made to walk through Cow Shit.  
BLUNDSTONE 


And Flamenco happen to become popular at the same time as Australia is Settled and Starts to develop it own "not British" Stuff so it is not really surprising that they are similar.

I own two pairs of boots and they're NOT POINTY!!!!!!

I only have 1 pair of boots now I'm an office worker and they are leftovers from my goth/metal days
The plain Black version of these..

Ben_Reilly wrote:I own two pairs of boots and they're NOT POINTY!!!!!!

 ::=|Q::  I have a pair of Hi-Tec 'Magnum' boots among my hiking/rescue boots that are a similar size, style and utility to those shown there, Ben...

Something like this:



(THESE are an "approved replacement" boot for many special forces, regular servicemen, police and ambulance services, and rescue workers in many parts of the world..).

The "army boots" actually work really well for me shooting outdoor sporting events -- dealing with muddy patches, hills, etc. The Docs I got because they're just like a pair I had in my late teens (the actual Made in England kind) and the Doc Martens made today just look cheap.

veya_victaous wrote:I only have 1 pair of boots now I'm an office worker and they are leftovers from my goth/metal days
The plain Black version of these..

Wow, those look serious, like they're angry with the floor

 Men, they're boots for goodness sake

Now shoes, well that's a different matter.  Bought these recently for work:

feelthelove wrote:
 Men, they're boots for goodness sake

Now shoes, well that's a different matter.  Bought these recently for work:

  

THOSE abominations do help the economy ~ by keeping a lot of podiatrists and chiropodists employed,
FTL !!!    :curtsy:

Lone Wolf wrote:

feelthelove wrote:
 Men, they're boots for goodness sake

Now shoes, well that's a different matter.  Bought these recently for work:

  

THOSE abominations do help the economy ~ by keeping a lot of podiatrists and chiropodists employed,
FTL !!!    :curtsy:

When I first got married I couldn't believe it. How much those insubstantial things cost. I kept buying my wife tennis shoes and hiking boots, as saying, Now those are worth it!

Jeesss...

Men pfft!   

  Really.  It blew my mind.

Nems wrote:Men pfft!   

I'm serious about those army boots. They have kept me from falling when I was working, so I appreciate them.

Now, on the Docs. This is what they used to look like:



Now they look like:



They looked better and wore better before Dr Marten sold out, I've bought a pair of the Asian-made boots and they look like and hold up like shit compared to how they used to make them. I notice. Someone has to say something!!!

What about these    I bought these for a wedding last year, with a matching bag:



Totally impractical and the bag was tiny but abolutely beautiful  

 

Hiking boots, work boots, tactical boots and everyday 'joggers' are costed on how they're made, where they're made, and what they add to the experience..

Women's shoes, trendy "athletic" shoes and high-end men's dress shoes tend to have their prices set by what is left behind !    ::D::

feelthelove wrote:What about these    I bought these for a wedding last year, with a matching bag:



Totally impractical and the bag was tiny but abolutely beautiful  

Lovely, just lovely FTL. What were the comments you got?

Original Quill wrote:

feelthelove wrote:What about these    I bought these for a wedding last year, with a matching bag:



Totally impractical and the bag was tiny but abolutely beautiful  

Lovely, just lovely FTL.  What were the comments you got?

Hey Quill   xxx

Everyone loved my shoes It was a chance to really dress up. I have naturally curly hair which I normally wear reasonably straight but my hairdresser pinned up my curls softly at the back with some sparkly butterflies I felt very spoiled x

Wonderful.  Yes, I've seen your picture.  Gorgeous.

It's fun to get pampered, huh?
xx

Original Quill wrote:Wonderful.  Yes, I've seen your picture.  Gorgeous.

It's fun to get pampered, huh?
xx

I am actually quite shy and never want to be the centre of attention. I hated my wedding day, everyone looks at you   xxx

Bump ...

Ben_Reilly wrote:Bump ...

I've a cute smiley for that

 

I'M currently adding a new rainwater tank to my garage roof...

TO harvest 2100 liters of nice, fresh rainwater at a time for the vegies, fruit trees and orchids..
MAKE of that whatever you will.  

feelthelove wrote:What about these    I bought these for a wedding last year, with a matching bag:



Totally impractical and the bag was tiny but abolutely beautiful  

That is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen  ::D::

quote "My friends, it is time to lighten up by a metric fuck-ton"

SO....

JUST WHY does it have to be a METRIC fuck ton...(which incidentally you have spelled wrong  metric TONNE)

what your game here...trying to force more metrication and its consequent short measure on us brits...typical american capitalist  :aspffftas: 

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr