I have quite a few books that I bought used that have cracked spines. They're not to the point where I need to rebind them, but I'd like to do everything I can do to keep them from reaching that point. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by JoshTeeters on Jun 30, 2007 - 17 answers

ShoeFilter? Six months ago, I bought a new pair of Skaters sneakers. Recently they started to make a weird "clack" sound while I was walking, and I discovered that protuding from a small hole in each sole, close to the heel, is a solid-looking metal strip, about 1cm wide and 1mm thick, looking as though it's been slowly grinding its way out. What are the strips for? Is it really necessary to reinforce the rubber with metal?
posted by gentle on Feb 11, 2005 - 8 answers