Victoria

No chance, loverboy. I remember the bloody weather.

Of course. All of us have that inside, to some extent. Some will never be centered, and will forever have a gnawing desire to be accepted sooner than later, by those around them. Shy people are especially prone to this. Oh God, Business...look, you could've read Architecture, or Philosophy, two exceedingly cut-throat subjects in academia ANYWHERE, not just Britain. Those are the worst, IMHO. But Business is very tough. The profs and your mates go after you in ways that seem personal. Sometimes that's true, but they're just testing your mettle, what you're made of, how you will react in pressure cooker situations in real life. Always be aware that it's not personal. I had the same in History, where every tutorial seems a battleground of personal pain, being peppered with questions no matter how well-prepared you are, often are torn down into shreds by those around you. I was born arrogant, but even I cried when I got to digs, Dutchy. Don't worry about it. It changes. Second year is better. That is the case anywhere in any British Uni, which freaks out Americans reading these stories since they usually have housing during their whole 4 years, in dorms, at least on paper. After 2 weeks, there is NO way anyone is going to commit to you for next year. I wouldn't even try until Hilary term, or whatever you call the January term at York. I know there is an International Students Centre there, with staff to help out, not only about practical matters but emotional counsel. Haven't you tried to see if you can have an 'eart-to-'eart with someone there? Noooo. Even if you had arrived a month earlier, I mean theoretically, I don't think that would've been the case. Uni isn't school, where you know the same faces for 4 years or so. I know you know, but it bears repeating. It's a completely different set of rules and much more adult, which once you get the hang of it, you will appreciate. It's fantastic being treated as a human being in your own right, not as a child who needs rules and parametres at every step. This is a morbid way to end, but now you know why young people commit suicide at higher rates than others. Because they don't have enough experience to see the full picture in life yet. The full picture is this -- life at Uni in the UK takes a good 2-3 months to adjust to. 1 year to get a hang of. 2 years to settle in. And 3 years to master. Then you graduate.

A diplomatic move on your part, and one I confess, I wouldn't have done. But as you say, you are easy to deal with, and hopefully, paying for the EMS fees will make him happier than he was with me. Just for the record, he treats return customers a lot better than newbies. He treats me like royalty now. Not sure why. Someone conjectured that he had a lot of newbies hose him for watches which they never "returned", and he's grown suspicious of them. A shame if true, but remember this isn't fact, it's just what I heard. I wanted to stick around for a reply, just in case, but I'm glad you and DSN are sorting things out. I've cleared my Inbox a bit, in case you need any other ideas from my poor newbie self. Night, Jawo, guys!

Yes. EDIT: FWIW, the lume on that first Fiddy was poor. His second is a Star Wars light-sabre, but the PAM 112 is even stronger. I am very pleased on that score. I wondered if I should have replied to you privately, about this matter. But you know what? This forum is to protect our fellow members first, and if this injures me with Davidsen, so be it. I love his watches, and I will continue to buy from him -- but you guys have to know certain things going in. So here is what happened. I made a POINT of telling him that I would hold his watch, until he sent me a new one. He wasn't pleased. Not at all. A few emails later, and he told me forget it -- he would refund me the money, including the Western Union fees, and shipping both ways. He was very unhappy. That's when I had to appeal to his conscience as a merchant, and stroke his vanity as an artist. I wrote him a very long email telling him I wasn't angry, but that he needs to prove to me he is an honourable vendor. But I also got some "muscle" in the form of another forum member to intercede. I thank him so much for this, it's not even funny. You know who you are. Whatever was the reason, the next day he apologised for not being a gentleman (saying he didn't realise I was a woman, and a lady ), and yes, he would send me a new Fiddy without my having to send the old one back. GOD JOB TOO. Since the second Fiddy arrived with mechanism issues, which allowed me to canabalise the first Fiddy unto the second. That cost about $35 to do at my local watchsmith, as opposed to all the money it would've to send these back and forth. So my counsel to you and to anyone reading this, is to do what I did. I'm sure you can read between the lines. Good luck, Jawo...

And upon looking closer at the pics, I see CC blanked out the serial number. Rep owners never care about such things for obvious reasons.

Let me just say that if it's the old one I sent back, the movement was the last thing at fault with it. Very troubling though. First, go through all the steps of making it work. Once you have ascertained that it is the movement, email him and tell him that you want a new DSN Fiddy sent to you. He is very good about that. He won't leave you in the lurch. But dang. EDIT: You'll have to pay for the post back. Make sure it's registered airmail. U$20.25 for me from SoFla to HK. Not sure from Canada, though I can ask my boyfriend. However, ask for stuff in compensation. New buckles, etc. etc. etc. He'll work with you. Still very frustrating for you. I'm sorry...

First, Jawo, just like to say your watches ROCK. I am really liking the idea of the DSN 111E series, instead of the more rep-outtable H. HOWEVER, and this is huge. Did you ever read my own "DSN Fiddy" thread when I got the very first one? http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=299990 Remember I had to send mine back, because amongst other cosmetic flaws, which Evildee's keen eye pointed out in that thread, it had the Officine Panerai Firenze not painted in in gold? Here is the closeup: And another shot: Could it be? Wow, did he send you the Fiddy I sent back?? Is that what happens with Davidsen watches which are sent back -- he recycles them to others? I mean, I expect that of other dealers, but I didn't expect that of him SOMEHOW. Oh God, I wonder if my 112 is like that -- because I know Davidsen personally built the newer Fiddy himself, after I complained about the first very strongly. But what a fool I am, if I didn't think this practise went on... @ALL: Okay, I'm calmer now, a few moments after digesting what I wrote. First, I'd like to say that what I said is CONJECTURE. We none of us know for certain if this is the case, or if this is the same Fiddy. Nor do I think my 112 is someone's send-back, because it's perfect. However, the engraving is DAMN close to my old Fiddy, including the smudged PANERAI all over. It's even smudged in the same places, which however, I don't know if some of his watches would have that, and thus, it's a coincidence. I don't know what to think. Thoughts?

Come on. You know he was dying to get to the bottom of any scrum. Yeah, and IT KILLS any Brazilian today that that side didn't win it all. They have never forgotten playing some of the most beautiful football ever seen on God's green pitch, and being humiliated by Paolo Rossi, in such brilliant fashion. I once heard an exchange between a Brazilian and an Italian like this: "1982 really hurt us." "1994 hurt us too." "We give you 1994, if you give us 1982." "Perfetto." All Brazilians know is that they have 5 stars on their shirt. And all Italians care about is that they have 4. I also love beautiful football, and would love to see England win with talent and verve over South Africa. But I wouldn't actually cheer against them if not, because they didn't. OTOH, that's something very British, for all your Irishness. We are a strange people, who love to whinge and moan even when we win. @DBR in the previous response: Right. I grant you I know very little about rugby as compared to football, where I can stand proudly next to any man, in terms of knowledge, analysis, and feel for the game. But I'll be damned if I'm called jingoistic just because I'll be painting my face red-and-white, wearing my tightest Three Lions shirt (having no Roses), and jumping up and down like a fool, singing Jerusalem at the top of my voice come the 20th. All I care is, England are in the final, and there's no shame in being proud of being patriotic, long confused with nationalism by those leaning sinister politically. Patriotic -- acting the fool by dressing up your sheepdog and yourself like St. George and the Dragon. Nationalistic -- kicking dachshunds in the streets. Besides, I'm over here, and you're over there. It's different. What embarrasses you, reminds me of all I treasured and betrayed by leaving. So take that and stuff it up your (no doubt very cute little) nostril. COME ON ENGLAND!!!

What! That's not ghetto. If that's a ghetto watch, I'm LaToya Jackson. Now Jacob & Co. -- that's ghetto. Cool shots, thanks for the idea, CC.

The last aesthete people respected was Oscar Wilde, and look what happened? People respect winners. Dull, dazzling, defensive, offensive, Brazil or Italy, winning ugly or winning pretty. But win. For Harry, England and St. Jonny! P.S.: South Africa are a side to be respected too. Fair play to them for getting to the Final. Best of luck, to all.

When I bought my Sony Cybershot it was $900. Now it's $300. How much more do you want? I'm looking for SMALL, not professional!

This is unbelievable. I am a film critic, and I have my own tastes, so this was never on the radar -- but I see it's got MAX VON SYDOW --AND-- ROMAN POLANSKY in it?? With Jackie Frikkin Chan and Chris Bloody Tucker?!?! People, this was clearly not intended for the American market, but for the foreign one. Sometimes one gets films from Hollywood like that, and I always find it curious but shouldn't. A bad outting for a film in the US, sometimes breaks even abroad, and in fact, supercedes expectations because of its international stars. That's why foreigners always remember clunkers like Kathleen Turner in VI Warshawski... BTW, the critics also trashed The Kingdom, which I finally saw yesterday. Totally enjoyable, in a visceral, linear story kind of way. The critics also trashed it, but listen to me, watch it. You'll like it. Didn't mention it last night, because no one, other than the Saudi Prince (who was sporting a solid gold Rolex, of course), was wearing a nice watch. Jamie Foxx left his IWCs at home for this little plastic number. Good show. Sometimes, though it makes a WIS happy, you look at a character in a film sporting a $20,000 watch and go, WTF. How can a cop afford such a thing?

Looked and looked. Thought it might be the IWC Porto in white, but not. In the poster, he's wearing another watch and it looks like the Bvlgari Assioma! It's a bigun. I'll check the IMDB boards, and come back with any info!

Agree 100%. Tom, I have very few Panerai watches that are automatic. Lemme think. Hmm. 3. The PAM Lion Purdey. The "maiale" PAM 076. And the PAM 199. They get very little wrist time PROBABLY because they are automatics. I don't touch them, since they're in the winder, and well, I don't get to wind them every two days -- out of sight, out of mind. I love handwinds.

HMM. You know, who mentioned that rich(er) people tend to be standoffish about such compliments? They could be right, because all my life, I always have complimented people on their jewelry or watches, to break the social ice. Not just the richies, but waiters, fast food drive-thru' attendants, porters, etc. They excitedly say, "THANKS!", and you can see it is genuine, as my compliments certainly always are (I don't say it, just to say). Often, they tell me where they got their watch, the ring, the bracelet, or that they have other pieces at home, yadda yadda. But with a "high-end" watch-wearing person, this is the case -- it doesn't spark any kind of convo about it, although I do get nicer smiles than Mr. Tourist gave me. Maybe they think we're being competitive? Thanks, Rima! I knew you would understand.

Oh, God, how this made me laugh. Talons! So true. He wasn't gay. Women have good gaydars. If I had to place him, I'd say North German. You know, Hamburgers are very socially awkward. No offence to you, Rolli, but post-War Germans have no "esprit" in social situations. It's like it's been dinned out of them, or something. Yes! Alas.

Men are usually sweet on me, and I always choose a man when a register/till opens up e.g. at a supermarket, but they had two women and one rather effeminate chap as AD assistants. No luck. Thanks! Great chopper. Awesome pic.

I know you feel that that is a good thing, but IMHO, it's not. Trust me on this, as a veteran of boarding schools since the age of 8 and a half. You should take the plunge, and feel homesick for a month. Then it'll go away. My mother kept calling my school every day, to comfort me, until my father (also a boarding school lad once) told her to stop. Calling me just made me pine worse for all I loved and cherished, and made adapting to my new surroundings that much harder, and longer. NO NO a million times NO. It's nothing to do with you, Dutchy. It's a quirk of our British social norms. I know it seems that they don't like you. I know they give you the cold shoulder. I know sometimes you are thinking as you read this, "Vic, they're not cold, they are HOSTILE". YES, that's how we are. Sad but true. It'll change. Believe me. Outsiders have written your very words since time immemorial about the British. What can we do? It's the way we are. If you lived in a village, it would be WORSE. Then you'd really feel what being an outsider is like. That's why minorities stick to cities, my dear. Life in Britain isn't for everyone. You have TO EARN your place. Island peoples are like this, as I said. But when June rolls around, and you have one year under your belt at a British university, you will see, I promise you -- it's the best. The balls, the friends, the swotting up for revision. It's all worth it! Lectures, wassat? No one goes to lectures at Oxbridge in Freshers year. Can't miss a tute though. Even if you look like death warmed up, binging from the night before, and anyway, the Dons have fridges in their offices, full of booze. (Try that at an American PC-nazi university! No offence!) Hang in there, Dutchy. It'll get better, promise............

Heh. Thanks for the unintended compliment! But Viennawatch is certainly correct in his sarcasm. That is an AD. They wouldn't let me take pics inside (I didn't ask, I just raised the camera and the guard immediately said no), but I took 4 or 5 quick snaps outside. Had a friend shield me. Hos and breaking the law. What I do for RWG!

They have the best cinemaplex in Miami*! I stick to Aventura, Merrick Plaza, and especially Bal Harbour, because there are no "anchor" department stores at Sunset Plaza (Plaza, isn't it?), especially Nordstroms, Saks, etc. Seedy area just behind it though. There's a sign on the moviehouse which says "No weapons". *Miami Beach has the best cinemaplex in all of South Florida. Just to note for those who aren't of the area, Miami and Miami Beach are NOT the same city.

@Pugwash: Best of luck! I'm guessing it's already over, but every good wish to you anyway. The PAM was a perfect choice, and the "distressed" strap certainly must describe anyone's mental state, seeking a job. Been there, done that... @DocBlackRoc: Perfect analysis of why not to wear Rolexes to job interviews, if not for Pugwash, for SOME kid wanting to do so reading it. @Jiro: Thank you so much! Your dazzling pics of it on RWI were the clincher in buying that Albion strap. I wear it with both the PAM 113 but I find it looks slightly better ON ME on the DSN PAM 112, than the white face as your wife wears it. It has more "bite" with the black-dial. Strange, huh? @Freddy: I never tire of seeing that photo of your shirt-cuff, matched perfectly to your Rolex. Never mind Cher and the tattooed ladies. I march to the beat of my own drummer! @Maxi: Thanks!! The compliments keep on pouring, in real life, and I'm VERY happy.

They just GLOW. Oh well. Yachtie Subs Tags (So thought of By-Tor when shooting this) Even Tiger has left his Quartz behind.

Or, World Traveller, as I later reflected, he was one of those people who are just not quick on their feet. You know how it is. When you have a a good personality, even if you're not fluent in the language, you just radiate it, even with a smile or a wink. But to give him the benefit of the doubt, I'll go with Ajoesmith's suggestion of his being taken aback at my gesture. Had I been a guy, he might've decked me.

Awww, thanks so much! Means a lot to hear that from you. If you ever see a black Sub on my dainty wrist, bend over and kiss your booty goodbye, Dangerman. The World Is Coming At An End. HAH! Just for that, some freebie extras for my RWG Males. Miami Beach has loads of women with great bodies in skimpy attire, including myself (well, at least the skimpy attire bit): Great cars: But being South Beach, it also has this. I believe this is called "being in transition". I can't leave you with that visual! So back to the hos in skimpy attire. (She actually bent down so long, I had time to root around for my handbag, take out the camera, centre the photo, and shoot it. Where are the cute guys doing this in front of me??): @DBR: That pizza was U$25!! Damn right I was going to wolf it down, even if I realised it read better on the menu, than what I got............oh yeah, that's another thing. SoBe isn't for the cheapos amongst you. The Hos cost MORE money too. @Golfman: Work. Wassat? @All: See the two hos in the "Fragrance & Vacuum" pic? They were British (I could hear them from my car. Posh birds too). As if you can't tell, by the obvious Victoria Beckham clone to the left.

MONDAY My Franck Muller Cintr