Victoria

Does anyone else read "TriosLescano" and think Tatiana Troyanos? (That was the extent of my commentary. Sorry, that's all I got)

First, thanks as ever for clearly putting down your points, without any antagonism that I could perceive anyway. You're right that sometimes pleas from veterans (moreso than Admin and his moderating team) become akin to berating. The problem is exactly as you say -- this is an atypical site because of its costly hosting fees, and because Admin has had his accounts shut down innumerable occasions. This creates a need for "re-upping", to signify your support for the site's purpose. I think I've also gone on the record that a velvet glove is required, else people feel offended no matter the realities of the situation. But this line is the one which personally troubles me: "If you try to tell me I "better" donate, I simply won't." There are times when we have to put away our pride, or offended feelings and think of the commonweal, especially as adults. It seems to me this is one of those times, and "I simply won't" sounds like a child who has just been told they "HAVE TO" do something, and dig in their heels and refuse to move. One simply cannot have this attitude, although I know you were not speaking necessarily of yourself, but noting the reaction others may have. To think like this is really silly when you stop, and ponder about the situation. If you will allow again, this is my idea of what RWG is: It's like a public library. Everyone who goes there can browse through the books, whether or not you live in the area. No one will stop you at the door, and bar you entrance to at least take advantage of some of the learning found within, by asking you for a fee before. But if you want to take out books, books which contain knowledge to better yourself, to find humour, and to share ideas, then you have to do so, in the form of local taxes which pay for your library ticket/card. Oftentimes, the Libraries have special membership drives, or sell used books, because even the local taxes are not enough to keep them going. And that's because not all who live there, and take advantage of their services, pay their full share of taxes. I don't berate anyone, because until recently, I was a non-paying member. But once I was asked, having decided this was a place which had given me MUCH, I poneyed up the membership. It's only fair. I too want to check out some of the cool stuff inside this library of rep watch knowledge. And I want to keep the Library going as long as it can.

And you're not only a VIP in my eyes, but still an awesome photographer of pieces I long to get, Pix!

RAYMOND! Poor thing. Though my malady is no where close to yours, I can relate what being in bed for 4 straight days is like. Awful cabin fever, discomfort, and boredom. Take care!! MONDAY It's raining like the bejiggers here, and I'm taking out the Toscana Siena Carbon on my DSN PAM 112. What do you think? Ocean's 13 or Lives of Others? TUESDAY My Andrew PAM 111h on a PAV 99 strap...maybe going out into the open for the first time in a week -- to Fourbucks! Love the look of the simple but charming PAV 99. They say it's the hide that OEM calf tans today are based on. ...I'll clear my Inbox ASAP tomorrow!

At first, it fit his character -- a young, up-and-coming maverick attorney, who is savvy to know he needs to look the part to be headhunted by the finest legal firm in the city. I can EASILY see a young legal beagle like that dropping part of his Ass't DA salary (more or less USD 60-80k p/a) on a pricey watch. I see it in the Miami courthouses all the time. But then, remember the scene where the secretaries are having to instruct the lad on choosing the right dinner jacket/tuxedo for an evening at the opera? He didn't know what a cumberband was (!). That suggested he might have been given a tip about the IWC Porto, from an AD, or observed it on a fellow lawyer, rather than having the background to know about the watch himself. Interestingly, just saw a rerun on Cinemax of "American Gigolo" (remember that? With Richard Gere in the role which propelled him to fame). I thought he was wearing a blackdialed Cartier Tank, watchface down. It turns out it was a Piaget. He, OTOH, knew what was what because he had been coached to by his "madam".

Heh, that's funny, TeeJay. Had no idea. Roman Catholics are also enjoined to make charitable contributions (loosely translated as to use 1/3 of your salary, donate the other 1/3 to charity, and to save 1/3 for your future). But I don't do so because of that since religion is at a discount in the West. I do so because I sense a need, and if I can, I fill it.

I can do that. But I'm sickly these days, and out of the loop so please hang in there, Admin/guys. I'll be back just as soon as I can. P.S.: Liked "VIP" best, but oh well.

Thanks, FxrAndy. Can't take the credit. Got it from the gen forum.

Minute 1:08, and beyond. Very fascinating either way.

Because business is about making money. And IMO there is nothing wrong with making MORE money, having reduced your costs. This is a fundamental difference in how many people think. To me, business is not about ethics or morality regarding profit. If you had argued that Rolex outsourced much of their partmaking to Chinese factories, and THEN started reneging on their previous excellent customer service record, I might perk up and agree. In fact, I'm sure I would. But if you tell me that since now Rolex are saving loads of money by getting cheaper parts made in China, and are not passing on the savings to its future customers, that simply leaves me shrugging. That's the whole point of business, of Capitalism, of turning a profit. Right, it needn't be, but it CAN be a moral dilemma. Does one give money to counterfeiters who are illegally ripping off legitimate companies of their intellectual property rights, on their customer service record, and fine name, to get ultimately comparatively shoddy goods, for a fraction of the price? Or do you bite the bullet, and make the rich richer, because you feel it's not fair to rip anyone off, such as contributing to the stealing of ideas, no matter the justification? I once asked this on RWI: Say one of us started ripping off designs from strapmakers Savage and Tootall, who in the meantime had become very wealthy making straps (let's pretend for a moment). We took away from their creativity, by simply appending their names to our designs. Would this be fair? No. If they decided to charge 2x, 3x...10x as much than when they first started out, simply because in the meantime they had gained experience and renown, thus making their straps more covettable. Is that fair? Yes. It's up to each person how they make sense of these things in their own mind. I've made peace with mine a long time ago. If I had the money, I would buy gens 90% of the time.

Go with Davidsen, who may take your suggestion of a closed exposition caseback in stride. Since you have the VIP upgrade, you'll get access to all his photos/info. Good luck.

Yes, baby. Try two Omega SMPs 007 (ETA) arriving either DOA or stop functioning after a week. Until then, amongst the most expensive watches I had bought. Buying reps is hard. Not sure we all have the personality needed to keep doing so. Some people need to bite the bullet, and perhaps get out. Corgi, I didn't say I'm sorry to you yet. Sorry. *hugs*

In the world of beauty, this is very common. They project etherealness, and that itself is part of the allure. But, in my experience, it's also true of the world of intelligence (Universities). Or of rich people. Or of aristocracy. Of fashion. Or slim people. And indeed, of athletes. They stick to their own. No. More than that. THEY WANT to stick to their own -- actively seeking them out, in part to avoid the jealousy which comes from diversity. Meanwhile, the rest of the world misunderstands them, abuses them, although sometimes excuses them depending if they perceive "up by your bootstraps" effort, rather than the horrible crime of inheritance, as cause. I understand this impulse completely. It took you A LOT to arrive at the place you are. Even if you think they were born beautiful, maintaining that beauty is not easy. To have people around you who don't, is a downer. It's one of those unspeakable human things that we simply cannot say out loud, because the moment people do, others who do not belong cry foul, perhaps justifiably. This, of course, just makes these special people circle the wagons ever closer. You've never seen the Queen of Holland on a bike, have you?

*though she is not part of this breed, Victoria gulped hard when reading this, thinking of all the times she's not acknowledged the existence of men paying her a compliment...* Women are cruel, Ryyannon. Even intentionally unintentionally.

Sure, ARTE was my fave channel (as is PBS in the US). I also liked Canal Jimmy. Ooh! I just thought of a post idea for the RWG males! Hang on to yer beret! That's something even babies are said not to know. I dispute this theory. I knew. Ryyannon, darling...I don't like this Burt Lancaster view of the world. You and some pigeons, shaking your fists at the IHT deliveryman. What you need is a pro-American, multilingual, well-travelled, well-read woman, who can talk about anything under the sun, including sports, philosophy, history, timepieces and sex, isn't aggressive about her views, but doesn't confuse moderation with lack of moral fibre. Unfortunately, Angela Merkel isn't pretty.

Ryyannon -- nature show addict? An American parrot then. Fantastic. The trait of wanting to share unimportant thoughts with people is very human. I suggest you visualise a classroom full of parrots. Then if someone steals your Doritos, you'll be happily surprised.

One of my favourite watches, and shots in the Wristies. Alongside Hambone's pantsleg HBB shot.

I've never had Cheese Doritos. Does that make me a birdbrain? Don't answer that! This story reminds me of the recent death of that African Grey parrot, Alex, who allegedly had the IQ of a 5 year-old child, which included knowing colours and differentiating shapes; he learned more than 100 English words; and had a series of one-liners he delivered to his captive audience. Sounds like Gilbert Godfrey... http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/11/science/...?pagewanted=all Not sure if I read this here, or when surfing the net, but the research scientists who had taught him all he knew were devastated. I say we all club together, and buy them a ticket to Aberdeen.

The person is a James Bond freak...in Argentina...and was also selling: "007 BOND LAZENBY 12" SCOTTISH KILT CUSTOM FIGURE" Wonder if the kilt is a repro too.

Chowhound here I come! Sounds like the Smith & Wollensky's of fish. Nanuq seems like one of the most laid-back, kindly members on here. The mod staff certainly are one of the best I've ever seen, you too TT.

I believe Yannou is saying, Andrew, please take out the member's personal information in the first post. I also think that would be fair, given the circumstances.

PM in case of questions, when you've narrowed your choices! I get PMs at least 2 or 3 times a week with these questions, and I'm always happy to oblige.

Oh wow, thanks for that! I thought it was me...the Tag Heuer I showed was tighter than usual. Whilst I bought it a long time ago, I'm not THAT much bigger than I used to be, but momentarily it had crossed my mind I had put on at least a stone. Wish I had a link to give, but my TT Tag Link is so rusty, it would be a disgrace. Sorry.

Do you have access to FashionTV? Well, my parents watch it disturbingly frequently (it's like their favourite channel...), and though both are fashion-plates, I did find out it's because they sometimes spot one of our neighbours there. "That's the girl from the third floor. Nice Valentino gown." (mum) "No, from Penthouse." (dad) I'm just hoping he means the top floor. *g* P.S.: I do know Caroline Trentini was staying in the condo next door, perhaps for an extended shoot. I saw her myself. P.P.S.: Apropos to the thread, fashion models in SoBe are almost exclusively into Rolexes. They love Subs.