Puffer

While we are on the subject: How many optometrists does it take to change a light bulb? Answer: 'One or two? One or two?' Happy Easter to all!

I didn't realise that 'white spirit' was not recognised by that name in the US. I believe you call it 'mineral spirits' (a name not used in the UK!) or turpentine substitute. Some cellulose paint thinners may work, but there are so many different blends and experimentation (and possible disappointment) should be allowed for. I wasn't originally advocating any alcohol (potable or not), as water is a component and tends not to mix with or dissolve anything oily. However, iso-propyl alcohol (propanol; US rubbing alcohol), as used for switch/contact cleaning (and, usefully, leather stretching!) would possibly work on small spots, although not too easy to buy here.

Your analysis and intended remedy seems sound to me; I hope it works. Best to spray a little superglue activator (acetone) on the open crack, and leave to evaporate before applying the glue. Yes, oil of any type can be a real nuisance if it gets onto fabric or suede etc. My best suggestion is to try a little white spirit, rubbed in with a rag or cotton bud. But first apply a little spirit to an unseen area of the boot shaft to check for possible colur loss etc. Some proprietary stain removers will work, but often hit-and-miss choosing the right one. Even washing-up liquid and a little water can oblige; scrub gently with an old toothbrush or similar.

I completely agree about the prevalence of sloppy/slobbish dress being totally unappealing. Ripped jeans are pointless. In England up to c1970, any woman wearing an ankle chain/bracelet was regarded (usually correctly) as advertising herself as a prostitute. But ankle chains have since become quite fashionable and generally acceptable here (on women of almost any age), although there is still something of the 'common tart' vibe about them in the view of some critics. Personally, I like them, although I am not a great fan of jewellery in general.

That's a pretty bad potential failure (and write-off) for a decent pair of shoes from a well-established source. Is there a reinforcing rod inside the heel? If so, it is not doing much of a job. I can only suggest that, if the heel material is solid enough, you introduce some superglue (or maybe a good epoxy, especially if there are any voids) and clamp until truly set. Nothing to lose really, and I hope it works.

I suggest dark glasses, or a welder's mask!

My wife (without any Scottish heritage or connections) is a fan; I can see the appeal in moderation. It is well-documented that Bill Millin, the official piper to Lord Lovat (commander of the British 1 Special Service Brigade on D-Day), played his pipes while under fire during the Normandy landings, and again (most memorably) as they advanced to and crossed the Pegasus Bridge. It was said that, although twelve of his comrades were shot and killed at the bridge, Bill was ignored by the Germans as they thought him to be mad! (Bill saw further WW2 action and survived to die in 2010 at the age of 88.)

I too have noticed a recent tendency for some discomfort in otherwise comfortable footwear, with or without heels. In my case it is a couple of sore toe tips on my right foot and a tendency for the skin there to be slow to heal - almost certainly the result of poorer circulation in my legs as one element of increasing age and declining health. The good news is that the condition has been improving and heels are again practicable, despite the obvious tendency for toes to be pushed forward into a boot or shoe. Thicker socks do help too.

I imagine that any heel of at least modest height (say 2.5"+), not just a stiletto, would be at risk of catching on a stool or chair crossbar. After all, cowboy boots traditionally have high heels for just this reason - to keep one's boots anchored behind the stirrup crossbar. (No doubt more than a few cowboys have failed to allow for that when on a bar stool after a couple of whiskies!)

Apologies for going back to car talk, but I'm impressed with the Oldsmobile and its swift resurrection. Is it necessary/obligatory to have an old or rebuilt car officially tested as being 'roadworthy' in Iowa (or elsewhere in the US), as with the annual UK MoT test (for anything over three years old)?

'Indemnity' is certainly a legal term and a key one in many insurance contracts (such as fire or liability), the concept of indemnity being to put the insured back into the position he enjoyed before suffering some tangible (measurable) loss or damage. And, for that reason, as mlroseplant says, insurance against personal injury or death cannot be 'indemnity' insurance as the sums insured are purely arbitrary - the chosen and pre-agreed 'scale benefits' set out in a schedule to the policy. In the film, the scheduled death benefit sum was doubled if the death occurred as a result of accident, but it cannot be described as '(double) indemnity'. I didn't know about the Chandler appearance - and will look out for it next time I (re)watch Double Indemnity.

One of my favourite films, superbly cast. My only grouse is a purely technical one: a life insurance contract is not a contract of 'indemnity' as the sums ('benefits') offered are purely arbitrary, on a scale according to the cause of death (or injury etc) - so dying from an accident (as plotted in the film) that would attract a doubled 'death' payout should be 'double scale benefits', not 'double indemnity'. Doesn't sound so snappy for a film title, however!

The word 'merde' comes to mind!

I think that says it all.

I could perhaps be forgiven for suggesting that the words 'the rest of' are inappropriate in the present context. (Your personal apology appreciated.) I was at a family friend's wedding a couple of years ago, in church in a modest country town. The bridegroom's father, with the general appearance of an artisan or farmer, was tidily dressed (in a suit!) but wore a 'flat cap' both in church and at the reception afterwards (in a fairly grand country house). Frankly, I thought that disrespectful to both venues and to those present, and the bride's father (whom I know well) did not seem pleased, although too polite to comment.