Puffer

The Syro boots are just ugly! The ASOS variant are not much better, although heeled boots in large sizes are always welcome. I see that these ASOS boots are shown as not currently available in sizes 46 and 47. Does that mean that they have been very popular, or simply that supply was limited? However, the UK website still has the full range to size UK12. (I am doubtful, however, that the heel is the 5" claimed.)

According to the home page, worldwide shipping is a flat-rate 12 euros per pair, which doesn't seem excessive to me. But I have had no dealings with the business.

I like those, especially with the pointed toe and centre seam! I'm guessing the heel is close to 3". Not really - Beatle boots have a Cuban heel rather than a block heel (and ASOS does have Cuban heel styles too) Yes - there are in fact several ASOS men's boots with heels. You have to be fairly liberal with search parameters to find them all.

This promo video for Louboutin 'Trouble in Heaven' perfume is worth watching! (I have to say, however, that I prefer women with a few more curves.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_6MZW-2OaU

I can well understand your disappointment. Quite apart from clearly NOT being what you ordered, the style and wearability is simply not right. When will these makers learn?

... and especially when the discussion is led by someone who has an approach that is both empirical and literate. (Yes, mlroseplant, that means you!)

Crotch-high waders (flat heels) might be more fun!

Agreed on all counts, although I'm not convinced that composite necessarily has twice the overall durability compared with properly-treated and laid wooden decking - but time will tell. I don't think the products available in the UK have improved much in recent years. Framing is certainly a key issue - not only properly treated but of appropriate strength and spacing to give adequate support. Foundations for the framing must be carefully considered too (depending upon the ground or other surface beneath), or the whole decking area can sag or undulate. I speak from bitter experience having spent a whole weekend last summer lifting the undulating composite decking installed for my son two years earlier (by so-called professionals) and re-levelling the framework with improved foundations (on earth) before re-laying the boards (and providing stronger exposed edges too). Wooden boards would have been a little stiffer and more resistant to sagging and edge -damage, but that was not his choice from the maintenance viewpoint, understandably. My own (wooden) decking that I installed at least 15 years ago has shown very few signs of deterioration; it is pressure-washed and re-sealed at no more than 24-month intervals.

A point I didn't make before (because it is not really relevant in the UK) is that composite decking might well be preferable in those areas of the US (or elsewhere) where attack by insects such as termites or other pests is likely. And, as mlroseplant says, no decking is likely to be stiletto-friendly, regardless of its composition or construction.

In my UK experience, very little shrinkage of treated decking boards has occurred except in the hottest and driest weather - and we rarely get enough of that for a long period! A small gap (say 1/8" for a 4" board) is about right. As to composite boards, the limited annual maintenance and clean appearance are plus points but the material can sag or warp and certainly does expand at end (butt) joints rather more than wood. Its strength may be an issue too - it can be soft (watch those heels!) or prone to breaking away if edges or ends are not properly supported or reinforced. All told, I prefer wood, and it is typically cheaper to buy.

Oh, thank goodness for that clarification! For one minute, I thought I had come round from a coma and found that we had JC for PM. As if there weren't enough problems already facing the country ...

No - assuming that the relationship is established, if not obvious. Quite a lot of TV footage of police in the early days of UK lockdown challenging people who were not apparently 'social distancing' or appeared to be outdoors for some (allegedly) forbidden purpose, including taking a brief rest whilst legitimately exercising. The situation has become rather more sensible in the last couple of weeks, with police and other self-important (If usually well-meaning) officials recognising the limits of their powers and the common-sense being shown by most people in public. There have been exceptions where fines have rightly been imposed, e.g. a whole gang of people (not just a family group who live together) having a party or barbecue.

No 'best angle' in the trigonometrical sense, anyway! I can see the photographers' needs - although not really what was going to be so vital and unmissable as a subject in this case - but why there was no apparent police intervention was surprising. Any two or more individuals congregating closely in public were (and are) being firmly 'moved on' if detected.

It was worrying (but perhaps not surprising) to see on British TV some journalists/reporters/photographers clearly congregating too closely together at some of the briefings and other newsworthy events during the earlier stages of the present situation. A very obvious example was when Boris Johnson was admitted to hospital and a gaggle of reporters and photographers were crowded closely together on the pavement at the hospital entrance. I wonder where the police were on that occasion - too busy ticketing someone taking a necessary breather on a park bench, no doubt? But the situation has since improved with proper spacing of those at briefings, or interviews being conducted via a video link.

You appear to be drawing a parallel with 'the Emperor's new clothes'. If so, I tend to agree with you - someone in authority or with superior status is allowed (indeed, often expected) to have a lifestyle or appearance that is 'different' and may appear extreme or eccentric. And it may well promote sycophancy. But when this involves an element of dishonesty, corruption or persecution, it is hardly desirable. A certain prince and his associates come to mind, albeit not fashion-related.