rasputin

Awesome, I'm planning to head there in March of next year. I'm going to Shanghai and Beijing for sure, I may have to try a few days in GZ.

I love this watch. Hopefully I'll get one in the future.

I've been on the fence about buying a display case to support my swelling collection until now. The Watch Prince is offering free UPS Ground shipping to the United States (Lower 48) this weekend which saves about $5 on a watch display case. Hope this helps other people. They also sell straps, tools, etc. Details below... Special Free-Shipping Promotion. The Watch Prince is offering a special, free-shipping promotion for UPS Ground shipments (Continental U.S. Only). Orders placed between 2:00 p.m., November 2, 2006 and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 5, 2006 (All times are Pacific Standard Time) are eligible for free UPS Ground shipping. This offer is good for orders shipped to the 48 Continental U.S. states only, and does not apply to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories, or foreign countries. Orders must have a subtotal of least $5.00 (not including shipping expense) to qualify for the free shipping offer. This special offer does not apply to expedited shipping methods. The Watch Prince reserves the right to use alternate carriers (including, but not limited to USPS) to ship orders during this promotional period www.thewatchprince.com

Man, I missed it...

I've entertained the lasik procedure but have decided against it. As someone going into radiology, my eyesight is paramount. First of all, the complication rate is still substantial even for fellowship-trained physicians performing the procedure. I haven't researched the most recent numbers, but even a complication rate of 1:1000 is enough to dissuade me from the procedure because my eyesight is too important. The issues with glare and dry eyes may be prominent and can take months to years to resolve...if at all. Furthermore, the procedure is irreversible. There is no undo button to restore your pre-op state of vision. In addition, the new "implantation" procedures to correct vision are in the near future and these promise the benefit of reversibility. That is, if your vision changes or if you are unsatisfied, you can theoretically return your vision to a prior state or revise your procedure. Many of my physician colleagues have undergone the procedure with varied results. The major problems are as outlined above and include dry eyes and glare. One had a serious complication of a corneal flap which is still giving him issues. These were done by fellowship-trained ophthalmologists from major academic institutions in the US. Other providers may not have the training to deal with these complications. In summary, lasik is a good option if you require vision correction and the risk/benefit analysis is favorable for you particular situation. Complications are not overwhelmingly common but they do occur. The cost/benefit is not worthwhile for me but it may be for others. My best advice is to research your surgeon carefully because it may all be up to him/her in the end. Caveat Emptor.

I get a kick out of these "fooled-ya" stories. My most recent was while I was sitting in the doctor's lounge waiting for the next patient in clinic and my attending comes in, eyes my sub LV, and we get into a 10 min discussion about how he just saw it in the catalog and was planning to order one. I just made a remark about how I wish it was more exclusive and no one's the wiser.

Excellent flotation devices

That looks hella nice. I may have to crack open my tub o' Oxyclean and see what kind of trouble I can get into. On a side note, oxyclean is also a damn good product beyond modding watches. I remember emptying an entire ink pen into a dress shirt and a soak in this stuff removed all traces of the mess. I thought the shirt was a goner for sure.

Yes, strip club buffets. That's one culinary contribution we yanks can take credit for right?

That thing is both a monster in terms of looks and actual size. It measures almost 5 cm in diameter and with the bracelet becomes almost 6 cm. It would be more authentic on a necklace worn Flava Flav style.

If only I could find a way to snort watches off a stripper's [censored], then I'd be in heaven.

Nice, I'm going to pick up some this weekend.

I'll third the call for a good Aquatimer Chrono. I asked my friend to look out for one while he was in Beijing and he brought back a monster. Not even close, but interesting nonetheless.

Clearly he has good taste, just look at his wife.

As a long-time lurker, I'd like to introduce myself to this fine community by thanking everyone for nurturing my new addiction to replicas. I started with a down and dirty LV from the streets of Shanghai just a few months ago and now I'm augmenting my collection with a Pam, IWC, and Omega. This forum has forced me to scrutinize every wrist I've come across. It's an obsession, but I'm damn glad I found it. "Peace Up; A-Town Down"