Do you like math puzzles? Here:

I absolutely suck at math, but I need an answer - if anyone can figure it out. I sure as hell can't.

My cardiologist has instructed me to walk two miles per day. I get on a treadmill and set the speed at two miles per hour, and walk for an hour. (That math, I can handle.)

I'd like to know how to get an equal workout on a recumbent bike. I haven't the foggiest idea how to get to the answer.

Do you know how?

What words or phrases are unique to your family?

Examples:

When my niece and nephews were young (my two sisters' families living together), my sisters would offer words of correction to a child if s/he were behaving without proper decorum at the dinner table.

Examples:

Don't slap your burrito.

Get the broccoli off your arm.

Don't step on the lettuce.

Don't explode your donut.

My sisters also made up words. Unfortunately, I can only think of one right now:

Wipey dipes (any guesses as to what this means?)

Post words and phrases unique to your family. This could be fun!

Need help: cleaning upholstery

I need to clean spots on my couch where cats have barfed.

I don't know how to clean a fabric couch. Do you? I need help....

Specific to Orange County/Long Beach - chorus

Hi. If you know of any community choruses in Orange County or Long Beach, please post their info here--whether or not they're currently auditioning.

I'm desperate to start singing again and need a group!

Thanks!

Has socialism turned into communism anywhere in the world?

I'm at a restaurant and just overheard this from the table behind me. The speaker cited Venezuela.

Does this really happen?

(I know little about socialism, and even less about communism. I loathe my ignorance.)

"Jewelry Rip-Off" thread follow up - a bit (or two) of new info

You may've read my "jewelry rip-off" post and the mild smack-downs that pointed out my misunderstanding of the jewelry market.

In reply no. 14, I pointed out that my receipt states the earrings contain 0.02 tw round diamonds. The jeweler I consulted recently said there are no diamonds.

In photographing the earrings for sale, I found the diamonds. They're on the inside, near the hinges, next to the jeweler's engraving.

http://imgur.com/a/JNnRgXM

🙄

What's the point, I ask you? To add value? Do you know? Seems useless, but, as we've learned, I know next to nothing about the jewelry trade.

PS Sorry you'd have to follow the link to see the picture. I'll fix it when I figure out how to do so.

Jewelry Rip-Off. Got any advice?

How do I get my money back? I paid 60% more than a pair of earrings was worth, and now I'm trying to figure out how to get my money back. I've drafted a demand for refund letter, but I don't know if that'll do the trick.

I bought a pair of 14k gold and sapphire earrings almost six years ago. Fortunes have reversed and now not only could I not buy jewelry anymore, I've had to sell a few pieces. A local jeweler informed me a couple of days ago that these earrings are worth about 40% of what I paid for them.

I'd welcome your advice, even if it's only telling me when I have to stop being reasonable and take the guy to court.

Thanks.

PS re court: there's a problem. The jeweler is in Delaware. I'm now in California. ??

I am ripshit mad.

shame

On Magnolia near SSJ, I heard - no, felt - a thud. It was late, after 10 pm. I pulled over, got out, looked back, saw nothing.

Heard meows.

Went and knocked on a door. Called police to come and get her. They said no: cats aren't road hazards.

Went back to my car.

Heard meows.

Drove away.

I was 18.

Cross-posted Lounge

shame

On Magnolia near SSJ, I heard - no, felt - a thud. It was late, after 10 pm. I pulled over, got out, looked back, saw nothing.

Heard meows.

Went and knocked on a door. Called police to come and get her. They said no: cats aren't road hazards.

Went back to my car.

Heard meows.

Drove away.

I was 18.

Cross-posted Mental Health Support