How exactly did it start, this curious tradition of tossing shoes over power lines? The practice is so ubiquitous that anyone who has ever left his house knows of it. Yet no one seems bothered enough--or industrious enough--to clear up the "why" of the matter.

Perhaps years ago a cranky old cuss launched his shoes at a pesky crow, got them hung up, and stalked away cursing. And then thousands of mediocre minds, inspired by his artistic achievement, launched their own shoes--and a movement that thrives to this day.

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