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Via Flowing Data, I see that Zappos.com will now show you who is buying what from where in real time. Thus I can sit in front of my laptop, stare at pictures of shoes superimposed on a map of the United States, and make wild generalizations about regional fashion preferences based on isolated financial transactions. Rigorous preliminary research reveals that people in the Los Angeles area like cute strappy sandals.
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Apparently, the model of shoe that journalist Muntadar al-Zaidi hurled at Bush's head during a new conference in Baghdad last December has been rechristened the "Bye Bye Bush." The Istanbul-based manufacturer who claims to have made the shoes reports that he's been inundated with more than a quarter-million orders requesting the oxford formerly known as Model 271. But who manufactured the actual shoes tossed at Bush may remain a mystery. The catapulted pair were exploded by investigators, and Zaidi is MIA. Today, his lawyer disclosed that he's seen Zaidi's post-arrest medical records, which reveal "bruising that covered the reporter’s face and body, but was especially severe on his legs and arms; a missing tooth; a gash on the bridge of his nose; and what appeared to be a burn mark on his ear." Currently in custody, Zaidi hasn't been seen or heard from since Dec. 21. If convicted of criminal aggression against a visiting head of state, the journalist faces up to seven years in prison. His family fears he will be killed there.
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Susannah, I'm surprised at you: Can't you see how much we've accomplished in Iraq, that Bushie was pelted with shoes and not IEDs? ("We will be hailed as liberators. They will throw flowers. Or boots; stuff happens.'') Can you imagine footwear flying at any other world leader, and the only response being laughter all around the world? I am for peaceful demonstrations, and in these tough economic times would not waste any Louboutins on our soon-to-be ex. But used Payless sandals, maybe, left in front of the White House? Barefoot for Bush could really catch on.