I didn't realize it was a curse, It just felt polite to ask. Out of curiosity, what do genies do after they've escaped? Can they rise through the spiritual ranks to become gods, or do they float around and just enjoy life?

I'll never understand stories where the wisher tries to trick the wish-granter. It's a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity, you'd think people would have a little more respect for a deity that can alter reality. Death doesn't bother me, it's the devil I know versus the unknown devil of immortality. I'd wish for a garage full of clean, new Chrysler Corporation cars and trucks from 1957-1963 in every trim level, a million dollars in cash, and then I'd ask if the genie wanted to go free. If not, I'd ask for a nice cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Otherwise, I'd just buy it with my new cash. I'm easy to please.

That's good to hear. I still have to glue down the tip of the sole.

I bought them from a factory outlet store a few years ago. It may have been $60 or $70.